Baby Poisoning Signs and What to Do
The short answer
If you suspect your baby or toddler has ingested something poisonous, call Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222 (available 24/7). Do NOT induce vomiting unless specifically told to do so. Common household poisoning risks include medications, cleaning products, laundry pods, button batteries, plants, and personal care products. If your child is unconscious, having a seizure, or having difficulty breathing, call 911 first.
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By Age
What to expect by age
0-6 months
Poisoning in young infants is uncommon but can happen through accidental medication errors (wrong dose, wrong medication), exposure to chemicals on skin or clothing, or ingestion of contaminated breast milk or formula. Always double-check medication dosing for infants. Keep all medications, cleaning products, and chemicals out of reach even at this age, as older siblings may bring items to the baby.
6-12 months
As babies become mobile, poisoning risk increases dramatically. Crawling babies can access low cabinets, reach under sinks, and pick up dropped pills or items. The most common poisoning sources at this age include medications left within reach, cleaning products in accessible cabinets, and small objects like laundry pods (which look like candy). Install cabinet locks, move all chemicals and medications to high locked storage, and be especially cautious about purse contents left on the floor.
12-24 months
This is the peak age for accidental poisoning. Toddlers can open child-resistant caps (which are child-resistant, not child-proof), climb to reach items, and are attracted to colorful liquids and tablets. The most dangerous household poisons include iron supplements, blood pressure medications, diabetes medications, laundry detergent pods, and caustic cleaning products. If you suspect ingestion, try to identify what was consumed and how much. Bring the container with you to the ER or have it available when calling Poison Control.
24-36 months
Older toddlers are even more capable of accessing dangerous substances. They can open doors, climb furniture, and may even access items stored "out of reach." This age group is also at risk for plant ingestion in the yard or during outings. Common poisonous plants include philodendron, dieffenbachia, lily of the valley, and oleander. Grandparent homes are a particular risk because medications may not be stored safely. Always bring medications home in their original containers.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby put a nontoxic item in their mouth and did not swallow it
- Your toddler tasted a nontoxic substance like regular crayons, chalk, or paper - these are generally not harmful
- Poison Control has confirmed the substance and amount your child was exposed to is nontoxic at that dose
- Your child was exposed to a potentially toxic substance but Poison Control has advised home monitoring
- You want guidance on childproofing your home against poisoning risks
- Your child has a pattern of putting non-food items in their mouth (pica) that increases poisoning risk
- Your child is unconscious, having a seizure, or having difficulty breathing after any suspected ingestion - call 911 immediately
- Your child has ingested or you suspect ingestion of any medication, cleaning product, laundry pod, or unknown substance - call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222
- Your child has chemical burns on the lips, mouth, or skin, or is drooling excessively or vomiting after a suspected ingestion
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 Medical Concerns
Baby Swallowed a Button Battery
A swallowed button battery is a medical emergency. Button batteries can cause severe, life-threatening burns to the esophagus within as little as 2 hours. Do not wait for symptoms. Do not induce vomiting. Go to the nearest emergency room immediately. If your child is over 12 months old, give honey on the way to the hospital as it may help slow tissue damage. Time is critical - call the National Battery Ingestion Hotline at 800-498-8666.
My Baby Is Vomiting Green or Yellow (Bile)
Bilious (green or bright yellow) vomiting in a baby is a medical emergency until proven otherwise. While older children and adults occasionally vomit bile with prolonged vomiting, in infants, green vomiting can be a sign of a bowel obstruction such as malrotation with volvulus, which requires emergency surgery. If your baby vomits green or bright yellow fluid, seek immediate medical attention.
Is My Baby Dehydrated?
Dehydration in babies happens when they lose more fluids than they take in, usually from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or inadequate feeding. Key signs include fewer than six wet diapers in 24 hours, no tears when crying, a dry mouth, sunken fontanelle (soft spot), and unusual drowsiness. Mild dehydration can often be managed at home with extra fluids, but moderate to severe dehydration requires prompt medical attention.
My Baby's Head Shape Looks Abnormal
Many babies develop temporary head shape irregularities that are completely normal. A cone-shaped head from vaginal delivery reshapes within days. Mild positional flattening (plagiocephaly) from sleeping on the back is very common and usually improves with repositioning and tummy time. However, head shape changes involving ridges, a persistently bulging fontanelle, or rapid head growth changes should be evaluated to rule out craniosynostosis.
Achondroplasia (Dwarfism) in Babies
Achondroplasia is the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism, affecting about 1 in 15,000 to 40,000 births. It is caused by a mutation in the FGFR3 gene and is usually apparent at birth with characteristic features including short limbs, a larger head, and a prominent forehead. Intelligence is normal. With monitoring for specific complications and supportive care, children with achondroplasia lead full, active, and independent lives.
Adenoid Hypertrophy and Breathing
Adenoids are lymphoid tissue located behind the nose that help fight infection in young children. When adenoids become enlarged (adenoid hypertrophy), they can block the nasal airway, causing chronic mouth breathing, snoring, nasal speech, and sleep-disordered breathing. Enlarged adenoids are most common between ages 2-7 and are a leading cause of obstructive sleep apnea in young children. Treatment ranges from watchful waiting and nasal steroids to surgical removal (adenoidectomy) if breathing or sleep is significantly affected.