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This is a life-threatening emergency. Call 911 immediately, then follow these steps while waiting for help.

Alcohol Ingestion in a Child

Content reviewed against published Poison Control, AAP, CDC guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

Alcohol poisoning in children can occur from drinking alcoholic beverages, hand sanitizer, mouthwash, cooking extracts, or perfume. Children are extremely susceptible to alcohol toxicity due to their small size. Even small amounts can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar and loss of consciousness.

Immediate actions

  • Call 911 immediately
  • Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately
  • DO NOT: Do NOT induce vomiting

Step-by-Step Response

1

Identify the source

Determine what the child drank: beer/wine/spirits, hand sanitizer (60-95% alcohol), mouthwash (up to 27% alcohol), vanilla extract (35% alcohol), perfume/cologne (up to 80% alcohol). Note estimated amount.

2

Call Poison Control

Call 1-800-222-1222. Provide: substance, amount ingested, child's age and weight, and any current symptoms. They will guide you on severity and next steps.

3

Assess the child

Check for: drowsiness, confusion, vomiting, slurred speech, unsteady movement, slow or irregular breathing, low temperature, and seizures. Children deteriorate faster than adults.

4

Position safely if drowsy

If child is drowsy or vomiting, place on their side (recovery position) to prevent choking on vomit. Stay with them continuously.

5

Keep warm

Alcohol causes blood sugar to drop and body temperature to fall. Wrap child in blankets. Hypothermia is a real risk especially in small children.

6

Go to ER if directed

Most children with alcohol ingestion need ER evaluation for blood sugar monitoring and possible IV fluids. Bring the container with you.

7

If child becomes unresponsive

Call 911 immediately. Check breathing. Begin CPR if needed. Place on side if breathing but unconscious.

What NOT to Do

  • ✕Do NOT induce vomiting
  • ✕Do NOT let the child "sleep it off" — alcohol poisoning can worsen rapidly
  • ✕Do NOT give coffee, cold showers, or try to "sober up" a child
  • ✕Do NOT leave the child alone — they need continuous monitoring
  • ✕Do NOT underestimate the danger — small amounts are dangerous for children
  • ✕Do NOT give food or drink to an unconscious or semiconscious child

When to Seek Help

Call 911 if:

  • Child is unresponsive or very difficult to rouse
  • Child is having a seizure
  • Breathing is slow (less than 8 breaths per minute) or irregular
  • Child is vomiting while drowsy or unconscious
  • Child drank hand sanitizer or other high-concentration alcohol product
  • Child is very young (under 2) and ingested any amount of alcohol

Go to ER if:

  • Any alcohol ingestion in a child under 6 years — most need blood sugar monitoring
  • Ingestion of hand sanitizer, mouthwash, or vanilla/lemon extract
  • Child shows any symptoms: drowsiness, vomiting, unsteadiness
  • Poison Control directs you to go
  • You are unsure how much was consumed
  • Any ingestion in a child with diabetes

Call your doctor if:

  • Child took a single sip of beer or wine and is showing no symptoms
  • After Poison Control consultation, if they advise home monitoring
  • Follow-up after ER evaluation

Age-Specific Guidance

0-1 year

Even tiny amounts of alcohol are dangerous for infants due to their immature liver and small body mass. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can occur rapidly and cause seizures. Any suspected ingestion is an emergency.

1-3 years

Toddlers are at highest risk for hand sanitizer ingestion (appealing dispensers, colorful/scented products) and unattended drinks. Sweet cocktails and flavored alcohols are especially attractive. Seek immediate care.

3-6 years

Children may access cooking extracts (vanilla, almond — 35%+ alcohol), mouthwash, or unattended adult beverages. A few ounces of hard liquor or extract can cause alcohol poisoning in a young child.

Prevention

  • Store all alcohol (including cooking wines and extracts) in locked cabinets
  • Keep hand sanitizer out of reach — it is 60-95% ethanol
  • Store mouthwash and perfume out of reach
  • Never leave unattended drinks at parties or gatherings
  • Choose hand sanitizer with child-resistant pump or bottle caps
  • Teach children that these products are not for drinking
  • Clean up all beverages after adult gatherings before children access the area
  • Be aware of alcohol in unexpected products: cough syrups, kombucha, fermented foods

Frequently asked questions

Should I call 911 for alcohol ingestion in a child?
Yes. Child is unresponsive or very difficult to rouse
What should I do first?
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. If child is unconscious, having a seizure, or not breathing, call 911. Try to determine what was drunk and how much. Do NOT induce vomiting
What should I NOT do?
Do NOT induce vomiting. Do NOT let the child "sleep it off" — alcohol poisoning can worsen rapidly. Do NOT give coffee, cold showers, or try to "sober up" a child. Do NOT leave the child alone — they need continuous monitoring. Do NOT underestimate the danger — small amounts are dangerous for children. Do NOT give food or drink to an unconscious or semiconscious child
How can I prevent this?
Store all alcohol (including cooking wines and extracts) in locked cabinets. Keep hand sanitizer out of reach — it is 60-95% ethanol. Store mouthwash and perfume out of reach

Sources

POISON CONTROLAAPCDC

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources

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Bottom line

This is a serious emergency. Always call 911 first, then follow the steps above while help is on the way.

You are doing the right thing by learning what to do in an emergency. Being prepared is one of the best things you can do for your child.