My Baby Ate a Houseplant or Leaves
The short answer
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.
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By Age
What to expect by age
Babies are not mobile enough to access plants, but be aware of plants in their environment. Ensure no leaves or soil can fall into baby's sleeping or play areas.
As baby starts reaching, move all plants to high shelves or hanging planters. Many popular houseplants like pothos, dieffenbachia, and philodendron are toxic to babies.
Crawling babies can reach floor-level plants. Remove or elevate all plants. Even non-toxic plants may have soil treated with fertilizers or pesticides that are harmful.
Babies pulling to stand can reach tabletop plants. Audit every room for accessible plants. If you cannot move a plant, consider rehoming it temporarily until your child is old enough to understand not to touch.
Toddlers are curious and fast. They can pull down plants from tables. Keep toxic plants completely out of the home or in a room toddler cannot access. Teach not to eat plants, but supervision remains essential as toddlers cannot reliably follow this rule.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Baby touched or briefly mouthed a non-toxic plant and you removed it quickly
- No symptoms develop after a brief exposure to a non-toxic plant
- Baby ate a small amount of a plant and you are unsure of the species
- Baby has mild mouth irritation or minor stomach upset after plant contact
- You want guidance on which common houseplants are safe around babies
- Baby ate any part of a known toxic plant such as oleander, foxglove, lily of the valley, or dieffenbachia
- Baby has drooling, swelling of mouth or throat, vomiting, or difficulty breathing after eating a plant
- Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you cannot identify the plant
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
Worrying about your baby means you care. That is a good thing.
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 Dirt and Sand
Babies and toddlers explore the world by putting everything in their mouths, including dirt and sand. Small tastes are very common and usually not harmful. However, soil can contain parasites, bacteria, pesticides, or lead, so it should be discouraged. If your child repeatedly seeks out and eats large amounts of dirt, this could be pica, which may indicate a nutritional deficiency like iron.
My Baby Ate a Crayon or Art Supplies
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.
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.