My Baby Ate a Houseplant or Leaves
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 houseplant or leaves, here is what the guidelines recommend.
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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
- Usually normal when: Baby touched or briefly mouthed a non-toxic plant and you removed it quickly
- Call your doctor if: Baby ate any part of a known toxic plant such as oleander, foxglove, lily of the valley, or dieffenbachia
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, for 2 years or beyond.”
This is one of the most common questions parents ask. Searching for answers means you care.
What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, 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. At 0-3 months, 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. It is generally considered normal when baby touched or briefly mouthed a non-toxic plant and you removed it quickly. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if baby ate any part of a known toxic plant such as oleander, foxglove, lily of the valley, or dieffenbachia.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
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.
4-6 months
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.
6-9 months
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.
9-12 months
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.
12-24 months
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 to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed ate a houseplant or leaves and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if baby ate a small amount of a plant and you are unsure of the species.
- Mention if baby has mild mouth irritation or minor stomach upset after plant contact.
- 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 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
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice ate a houseplant or leaves — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that baby touched or briefly mouthed a non-toxic plant and you removed it quickly — 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 baby ate any part of a known toxic plant such as oleander, foxglove, lily of the valley, or dieffenbachia.
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 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.
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 houseplant or leaves normal?
When should I call the doctor about ate a houseplant or leaves?
When is ate a houseplant or leaves normal?
What causes ate a houseplant or leaves?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about ate a houseplant or leaves?
Is ate a houseplant or leaves normal at 0-3 months?
Is ate a houseplant or leaves normal at 4-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for ate a houseplant or leaves?
Does ate a houseplant or leaves go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Ate a Houseplant or Leaves.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed ate a houseplant or leaves and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if baby ate a small amount of a plant and you are unsure of the species.
- Mention if baby has mild mouth irritation or minor stomach upset after plant contact.
- 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
- 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
Urgent signs to report immediately
- 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
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 houseplant or leaves are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if baby ate any part of a known toxic plant such as oleander, foxglove, lily of the valley, or dieffenbachia.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
Was this page helpful?
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.
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.