Baby or Toddler Accidentally Ate a Cannabis Edible - What to Do
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.
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
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.
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
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
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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.
How to Advocate for Your Child's Needs
You know your child better than anyone, and your observations matter. If you feel something is not right with your child's development or health, you have every right to ask questions, request evaluations, and seek second opinions. Advocating for your child is not being difficult - it is being a good parent.