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Heather Graham, St John Ambulance
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First Aid Trainer with St John Ambulance. Teaches both parents and teachers how to perform first aid on babies and children. St John Ambulance is the leading first aid charity in the UK.
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Baby first aid

Eating poison

Babies will put everything they can into their mouths. It's one of their favourite ways of exploring their new world. There are very real risks for your baby picking up and tasting poisonous substances - so keep an eagle eye out around your home.
Video Tutorial
In Short

If your child has any of the following symptoms, they may have swallowed poison:

Difficulty breathing.

Unusual sleepiness.

Convulsions.

Severe throat pain.

Burns on the lips or mouth.

Unconsciousness.

If you know your baby has swallowed poison – don’t wait for a reaction – it may be slow. Act immediately.

  • Get your baby away from the rest of the poison.
  • Try to get any remaining poison out of your baby’s mouth.
  • Call 999 for an ambulance and say clearly your baby has ingested poison.
  • Do not try to make them vomit since the poison will burn the throat and mouth again.
  • Take the poison with you so it can be identified at A&E / ER.
What are the symptoms of a baby that have ingested poison?

Call 999 or 911 immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:

  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Unusual sleepiness.
  • Convulsions.
  • Severe throat pain.
  • Burns on the lips or mouth.
  • Unconsciousness.

What if my child has had no reaction to the poison?

Don’t assume that your child is OK because there hasn’t been a reaction yet. Some dangerous substances take a while to take effect. Note an overdose of paracetamol should be considered as a potential poisoning.

If your child doesn’t have any of the serious symptoms listed above, call your poison control centre.

Experts at the poison centre will need to know:

  • Your child’s approximate weight.
  • Any medical conditions.
  • Any medications they are taking.
  • A description of the poison.
Summary

If you suspect your baby has ingested poison, call an ambulance.

  • Try to identify the poison.
  • Do not try to make your baby vomit.
  • Administer CPR if baby stops breathing.

The best way to learn about baby first aid is by doing a first aid course or watch Essential Parent’s online content made with St John Ambulance.

DISCLAIMER
This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Essential Parent has used all reasonable care in compiling the information from leading experts and institutions but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details click here.