My Baby Ate a Crayon or Art Supplies
The short answer
Most major brand crayons like Crayola are non-toxic and not dangerous if a small amount is eaten. However, always check labels for the ACMI non-toxic seal. Small pieces of crayon usually pass through the digestive system without issue. Other art supplies may be more concerning. If your child eats a non-toxic crayon, offer water and monitor. For unknown products, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
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By Age
What to expect by age
Art supplies should not be accessible to babies this young.
Keep all art supplies out of reach as babies this age will put everything in their mouth.
If older siblings have art supplies around, ensure they are stored safely. Babies this age will absolutely try to eat crayons if they can reach them.
Keep art supplies stored up high or in locked containers. When baby is around coloring activities, supervise closely. Choose large, non-toxic crayons for any early art exploration.
Toddlers begin art activities and may eat crayons during coloring time. Use only non-toxic art supplies labeled safe for young children. Supervise all art activities. A small taste of a non-toxic crayon is not harmful.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Baby or toddler tastes a non-toxic crayon and you can remove the rest
- Child eats a small piece of a certified non-toxic crayon and has no symptoms
- Child explores art supplies by mouthing them briefly
- Child repeatedly eats crayons or art supplies despite having access to food
- You are unsure whether the art supply your child ate is non-toxic
- Child has digestive changes after eating art supplies
- Child has eaten a product you believe is toxic or that does not have a non-toxic label
- Child has symptoms like vomiting, drooling, or abdominal pain after eating art supplies
- Child ate any amount of oil-based paint, turpentine, or adult art supplies - call Poison Control immediately
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
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Related Feeding Concerns
My Baby Eats Non-Food Items (Pica)
It is completely normal for babies and young toddlers to explore by putting objects in their mouths. True pica, which is the persistent eating of non-food substances, is uncommon before age two and may be linked to iron deficiency or developmental factors. If your child repeatedly seeks out and eats non-food items past the typical mouthing stage, it is worth discussing with your pediatrician.
My Baby Keeps Eating Paper and Cardboard
Babies love to explore paper and cardboard by mouthing, chewing, and sometimes swallowing small pieces. Small amounts of plain paper or cardboard are generally not toxic and usually pass through the digestive system without issue. However, paper with colored ink, glossy coatings, or small pieces that could be a choking hazard should be kept away from baby.
My Baby Ate a Houseplant or Leaves
Many common houseplants can be mildly to severely toxic to babies. If your baby eats a plant, try to identify it and call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. Remove any remaining plant material from baby's mouth. Even if a plant is considered non-toxic, it may cause mouth irritation or stomach upset. Keep all houseplants out of reach of babies and toddlers.
When to Introduce Allergens to Baby
Current guidelines recommend introducing common allergens (peanut, egg, cow's milk products, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame) starting around 4-6 months when your baby is developmentally ready for solids. The landmark LEAP study showed that early introduction of peanuts (by 4-6 months) reduced peanut allergy risk by 80% in high-risk infants. Do not delay allergens - the old advice to wait until 1-3 years has been reversed because early exposure actually prevents allergies.
I'm Worried My Baby Is Aspirating During Feeds
Aspiration means liquid or food enters the airway instead of the stomach. Occasional coughing during feeds is common and does not usually indicate aspiration. True aspiration is less common and may present as recurrent respiratory infections, a wet or gurgly voice after feeds, or chronic cough. If you are concerned, a swallow study can provide a definitive answer.
Could My Baby Be Aspirating During Feeding?
Aspiration occurs when food or liquid enters the airway instead of the esophagus. Signs include coughing or choking during every feed, a wet or gurgly voice after eating, recurrent chest infections, and breathing changes during meals. Silent aspiration can occur without obvious coughing. If you suspect aspiration, contact your pediatrician as a swallowing study can diagnose it.