Baby or Toddler Accidentally Ate a Cannabis Edible - What to Do
Content reviewed against published AAP, Poison Control, FDA guidelines
Last reviewed:
If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect baby or toddler accidentally ate a cannabis edible - what to do, here is what the evidence says.
The short answer
If your baby or toddler ate a cannabis/THC edible, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) and seek emergency medical care immediately. Cannabis edible ingestion in young children has increased by over 1,300% since 2017, largely because many products look like regular candy or snacks. THC affects small children much more severely than adults and can cause drowsiness, breathing problems, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Do not wait for symptoms to appear - get help right away.
Key takeaways
- If your baby or toddler ate a cannabis/THC edible, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) and seek emergency medical care immediately. Cannabis edible ingestion in young children has increased by over 1,300% since 2017, largely because many products look like regular candy or snacks. THC affects small children much more severely than adults and can cause drowsiness, breathing problems, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Do not wait for symptoms to appear - get help right away.
- Usually normal when: There are no cannabis products in your home or they are stored in a locked container out of reach of children.
- Call your doctor if: Your child consumed or may have consumed a cannabis edible in any amount - call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) and go to the ER immediately.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Fever itself is not an illness — rather, it is a sign or symptom that the body is fighting an infection. Fever stimulates certain defenses, such as the white blood cells, which attack and destroy invading bacteria.”
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
When to Seek Immediate Care
- Your child consumed or may have consumed a cannabis edible in any amount - call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) and go to the ER immediately.
- Your child is unusually drowsy, unresponsive, or difficult to wake.
- Your child is having difficulty breathing, seizures, or has lost consciousness.
- Your child is vomiting, has dilated pupils, or is extremely unsteady on their feet after possible exposure.
By Age
What to expect by age
0-12 months
Accidental cannabis ingestion in babies is less common but can happen through breast milk (if a breastfeeding parent uses cannabis) or if a baby gets hold of an edible product. Babies are extremely vulnerable to THC because of their small body weight and immature liver. Even a small amount can cause significant sedation, difficulty breathing, and poor muscle tone. If you suspect any THC exposure in an infant, this is a medical emergency.
12-36 months
Toddlers are the most common age group for accidental cannabis edible ingestion because they are mobile, curious, and naturally attracted to colorful candy-like products. Many THC gummies, chocolates, and cookies are packaged to closely resemble popular candy brands. Symptoms can appear within 30 minutes to 2 hours and include extreme drowsiness, unsteadiness, dilated pupils, fast heart rate, vomiting, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing, seizures, or unresponsiveness. Be honest with medical staff about what your child consumed - they are there to help, not judge.
3-5 years
Preschoolers can identify and seek out candy-like products, making them vulnerable when THC edibles are accessible. At this age, children may consume larger quantities before a parent notices. Symptoms to watch for include unusual drowsiness, difficulty walking, slurred speech, vomiting, and agitation. THC can remain in a child's system longer than in adults. If your child consumed an edible, bring the packaging to the ER so medical staff can determine the THC dose.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- There are no cannabis products in your home or they are stored in a locked container out of reach of children.
- Your child was near cannabis products but did not consume any.
- You use cannabis products and want guidance on safe storage practices to protect your child.
- You are breastfeeding and using cannabis - THC passes into breast milk and can affect your baby.
- Your child attends a home where cannabis products may be accessible.
- Your child consumed or may have consumed a cannabis edible in any amount - call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) and go to the ER immediately.
- Your child is unusually drowsy, unresponsive, or difficult to wake.
- Your child is having difficulty breathing, seizures, or has lost consciousness.
- Your child is vomiting, has dilated pupils, or is extremely unsteady on their feet after possible exposure.
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby or Toddler Accidentally Ate a Cannabis Edible - What to Do.
Things to mention
- You use cannabis products and want guidance on safe storage practices to protect your child.
- You are breastfeeding and using cannabis - THC passes into breast milk and can affect your baby.
- Your child attends a home where cannabis products may be accessible.
Observations to share
- You use cannabis products and want guidance on safe storage practices to protect your child.
- You are breastfeeding and using cannabis - THC passes into breast milk and can affect your baby.
- Your child attends a home where cannabis products may be accessible.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your child consumed or may have consumed a cannabis edible in any amount - call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) and go to the ER immediately.
- Your child is unusually drowsy, unresponsive, or difficult to wake.
- Your child is having difficulty breathing, seizures, or has lost consciousness.
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
Related Conditions
baby swallowed something
When to Call Your Pediatrician
Knowing when to call your pediatrician can be stressful, but a good rule of thumb is: if something about your baby worries you, it is always okay to call. In general, any fever in a baby under 3 months, difficulty breathing, signs of dehydration, or a sudden change in behavior warrants a prompt call. Trust your instincts - you know your baby best, and pediatricians expect and welcome these calls.
Essential First Aid Kit for Baby and Toddler
Every family with a baby or toddler should have a well-stocked first aid kit. Essential items include: a digital rectal thermometer (most accurate for babies), infant acetaminophen (Tylenol), infant ibuprofen (for 6 months+), saline nasal drops, a nasal aspirator/NoseFrida, antibiotic ointment (bacitracin), petroleum jelly, hydrocortisone cream (1%), adhesive bandages, gauze and medical tape, a dosing syringe (not a kitchen spoon), Poison Control number (1-800-222-1222), and your pediatrician's after-hours number. Keep medications locked away from children and check expiration dates regularly.
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is baby or toddler accidentally ate a cannabis edible - what to do normal?
When should I call the doctor about baby or toddler accidentally ate a cannabis edible - what to do?
When is baby or toddler accidentally ate a cannabis edible - what to do normal?
What causes baby or toddler accidentally ate a cannabis edible - what to do?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby or toddler accidentally ate a cannabis edible - what to do?
Is baby or toddler accidentally ate a cannabis edible - what to do normal at 0-12 months?
Is baby or toddler accidentally ate a cannabis edible - what to do normal at 12-36 months?
Should I go to the ER for baby or toddler accidentally ate a cannabis edible - what to do?
Does baby or toddler accidentally ate a cannabis edible - what to do go away on its own?
References
- [1]AAP Pediatrics - Pediatric Edible Cannabis Exposures and Acute Toxicity (2023) AAP
- [2]National Capital Poison Center - Cannabis Edibles and Children Poison Control
- [3]FDA - Accidental Ingestion of Food Products Containing THC by Children FDA
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of baby or toddler accidentally ate a cannabis edible - what to do are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child consumed or may have consumed a cannabis edible in any amount - call poison control (1-800-222-1222) and go to the er immediately.
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 Medical Concerns
When to Call Your Pediatrician
Knowing when to call your pediatrician can be stressful, but a good rule of thumb is: if something about your baby worries you, it is always okay to call. In general, any fever in a baby under 3 months, difficulty breathing, signs of dehydration, or a sudden change in behavior warrants a prompt call. Trust your instincts - you know your baby best, and pediatricians expect and welcome these calls.
Essential First Aid Kit for Baby and Toddler
Every family with a baby or toddler should have a well-stocked first aid kit. Essential items include: a digital rectal thermometer (most accurate for babies), infant acetaminophen (Tylenol), infant ibuprofen (for 6 months+), saline nasal drops, a nasal aspirator/NoseFrida, antibiotic ointment (bacitracin), petroleum jelly, hydrocortisone cream (1%), adhesive bandages, gauze and medical tape, a dosing syringe (not a kitchen spoon), Poison Control number (1-800-222-1222), and your pediatrician's after-hours number. Keep medications locked away from children and check expiration dates regularly.
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.
Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) in Babies
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a genetic disorder affecting about 1 in 17,000 newborns, caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene on the X chromosome. It primarily affects boys and impairs the breakdown of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), which accumulate and damage the myelin sheath in the brain and the adrenal glands. The most severe form, cerebral ALD, typically affects boys between ages 4-10 with rapid neurological decline. Newborn screening now enables early detection, and hematopoietic stem cell transplant or gene therapy performed before significant brain involvement can be life-saving.