My Baby Ate a Crayon or Art Supplies
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rachel Kim, MD, RDN · Pediatric Nutrition Specialist
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Feeding challenges are one of the most common concerns new parents face. When it comes to ate a crayon or art supplies, here is what the guidelines recommend.
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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
- Usually normal when: Baby or toddler tastes a non-toxic crayon and you can remove the rest
- Call your doctor if: Child has eaten a product you believe is toxic or that does not have a non-toxic label
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, 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. At 0-3 months, art supplies should not be accessible to babies this young. It is generally considered normal when baby or toddler tastes a non-toxic crayon and you can remove the rest. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if child has eaten a product you believe is toxic or that does not have a non-toxic label.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Art supplies should not be accessible to babies this young.
4-6 months
Keep all art supplies out of reach as babies this age will put everything in their mouth.
6-9 months
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.
9-12 months
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.
12-24 months
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 to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed ate a crayon or art supplies and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if child repeatedly eats crayons or art supplies despite having access to food.
- Mention if you are unsure whether the art supply your child ate is non-toxic.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
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
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice ate a crayon or art supplies — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that baby or toddler tastes a non-toxic crayon and you can remove the rest — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Offer feeding in a calm, distraction-free environment. Avoid forcing or pressuring your baby to eat.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if child has eaten a product you believe is toxic or that does not have a non-toxic label.
Related Conditions
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.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Feeding & Nutrition Guide
Complete guide to breastfeeding, formula feeding, and solid food introduction.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is ate a crayon or art supplies normal?
When should I call the doctor about ate a crayon or art supplies?
When is ate a crayon or art supplies normal?
What causes ate a crayon or art supplies?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about ate a crayon or art supplies?
Is ate a crayon or art supplies normal at 0-3 months?
Is ate a crayon or art supplies normal at 4-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for ate a crayon or art supplies?
Does ate a crayon or art supplies go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Ate a Crayon or Art Supplies.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed ate a crayon or art supplies and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if child repeatedly eats crayons or art supplies despite having access to food.
- Mention if you are unsure whether the art supply your child ate is non-toxic.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- 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
Urgent signs to report immediately
- 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
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of ate a crayon or art supplies are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if child has eaten a product you believe is toxic or that does not have a non-toxic label.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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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.
When Does My Baby Need Amino Acid Formula?
Amino acid-based formulas (also called elemental formulas) are prescribed for babies with severe cow's milk protein allergy, multiple food protein intolerances, or conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis who cannot tolerate standard or extensively hydrolyzed formulas. They are the most hypoallergenic formula available because the proteins are broken down into individual amino acids, making allergic reactions virtually impossible.