Accidental ingestions can happen in seconds — a child finds a dropped pill, grabs a colorful detergent pod, or tastes something they shouldn’t.
This article is sponsored by ChristianaCare.
CHOP at ChristianaCare wants families to stay aware of the most common risks and the early signs that mean you should act right away. Knowing what to look for helps prevent a scary situation from becoming an emergency.
Why Kids Are at Higher Risk for Accidental Poisoning
Young children explore by touching, tasting and grabbing whatever is within reach. Many dangerous items look harmless or even appealing: brightly colored cleaners, gummy vitamins, button batteries, mouthwash, cosmetics, or loose medications in a purse or bedside organizer.
Extra caution is important when visiting relatives or hosting guests. Medications stored in bags, pockets or pill organizers are easy for kids to access — and often the most common source of accidental ingestion.
Other common household risks include personal care items, pesticides, automotive fluids and button batteries. Locking up or putting these items out of reach can go a long way in protecting your kids.
Warning Signs Parents Should Know
Sometimes you see the ingestion happen. Other times, the first clue is a sudden change in behavior.
Move your child to a safe area and act immediately if you notice:
- Vomiting or gagging
- Trouble breathing
- Excessive drooling
- Burns or redness around the mouth
- Unusual sleepiness
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Open containers or missing pills nearby
If you see your child swallow something they shouldn’t, don’t wait for symptoms. Some substances cause internal injury before a child looks sick.
What to Do Right Away
Call 911 if your child:
- Is unconscious
- Has a seizure
- Is struggling to breathe
- Has collapsed
For all other suspected ingestions:
Call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222. It’s free, confidential and available 24/7. Save the number in your phone, so you always have it with you.
When you call, have ready: your child’s age and weight, the substance involved, how much may be missing, when it happened and any symptoms you’ve noticed. Keep the container nearby.
Do NOT do the following unless instructed:
- Induce vomiting
- Give food, milk or water
When Your Child Needs Emergency Care
Some exposures require urgent treatment. Knowing exactly where to go can make a stressful moment easier. ChristianaCare Pediatric Care Center in Newark provides 24/7 emergency care from CHOP pediatric emergency medicine specialists trained in toxicology and ingestion protocols.
Visit ChristianaCare.org/CHOP to learn how Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and ChristianaCare are caring for kids—right here at home.
