As soon as a baby learns to grab things, they put everything in their mouth. They want to taste the world! The best thing you can do is to never leave medicines or other potentially dangerous substances within their reach. But what can you do if the unexpected happens?
What not to do under any circumstance:
- Don't let the child drink anything. Liquid will accelerate the dissolution of the pill and the absorption of harmful substances into the body.
- Don't breastfeed them. Milk is also a liquid.
- Don't try to induce vomiting. In infants, this can cause airway blockage and suffocation.
What to do and in what order
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If it happens right before your eyes, try to extract the pill from their mouth before they swallow it. Don't throw it away so you can show it to the ambulance crew.
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Call emergency services. Clearly state what pills the baby swallowed (or didn't swallow but had in their mouth or licked); how many, and when. They may ask for the child's age and weight.
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Follow the operator's instructions on the phone. Different drugs require different actions.
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Observe the child's condition until the ambulance arrives. Report any changes to the doctor.
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If you are in an area or under conditions that make it easier or faster to take your child to the emergency room yourself, do it and adapt these instructions accordingly.
Prepared based on materials from the British Red Cross .
