Breathing or consciousness changes
Call emergency services now if your child is struggling to breathe, becomes very sleepy, is hard to wake, faints, or has a seizure.
Poisoning Emergency Help for Parents
If your child may have swallowed medicine, household cleaner, a plant, or another harmful substance, quick next steps matter. Get clear, parent-friendly guidance on signs of poisoning in children, when to call poison control, and when emergency care is needed.
About 3–5 minutesPrivate assessmentNo long answers
About this assessment
Answer a few questions for personalized poisoning guidance
Tell us what happened, when it happened, and what your child may have been exposed to so you can get focused help on what to do next right away.
01
What to do if your child may have been poisoned
If you think your child swallowed poison or was exposed to a harmful substance, stay calm and act quickly. Try to identify what was involved, how much may have been taken, and when it happened. Do not give food, drink, or medicine unless a medical professional tells you to. If your child is having trouble breathing, is hard to wake, has a seizure, collapses, or is getting worse fast, call 911 right away. For many poisoning concerns, poison control can guide you on the safest next step.
02
Common poisoning emergency warning signs
Mouth, throat, or stomach symptoms
Burning of the lips or mouth, drooling, repeated vomiting, severe belly pain, or trouble swallowing can happen after swallowing a cleaner, chemical, or other toxic substance.
Sudden unusual behavior
Confusion, extreme sleepiness, agitation, dizziness, weakness, or acting very differently than usual can be signs of poisoning in children.
03
When to call poison control for a child
You know or suspect an exposure
Call poison control if your child may have swallowed medicine, vitamins, household cleaner, alcohol, cannabis products, nicotine, plants, or another potentially harmful substance.
You are not sure how dangerous it is
Even if your child seems okay, poison control can help you decide whether home observation is enough or if urgent medical care is needed.
You need the poison control number
In the United States, poison control is available at 1-800-222-1222. Keep the container or product label nearby if possible when you call.
04
Helpful details to gather before you call
What substance was involved
Bring the bottle, package, cleaner label, medication name, or photo of the product so the exact ingredient can be identified.
How much and when
Estimate how much your child may have swallowed, touched, or inhaled, and note the time of exposure as closely as you can.
Your child’s age and symptoms
Be ready to share your child’s age, weight if known, and any symptoms such as vomiting, coughing, sleepiness, mouth pain, or behavior changes.
05
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my child swallowed poison but seems fine?
A child can look okay at first and still need medical advice. If you think your child swallowed poison, call poison control right away for guidance based on the exact substance, amount, and timing. If severe symptoms develop, call 911.
When is poisoning an emergency for a child?
Poisoning is an emergency if your child has trouble breathing, is hard to wake, has a seizure, collapses, has severe vomiting, or is rapidly getting worse. Exposure to strong cleaners, large amounts of medicine, or unknown substances also needs urgent attention.
What if my toddler ingested a household cleaner?
If your toddler swallowed a household cleaner, do not make them vomit unless a medical professional tells you to. Wipe out the mouth gently if needed, keep the product container nearby, and call poison control immediately. Call 911 if there is trouble breathing, severe pain, or major drowsiness.
Should I give water or milk after a possible poisoning?
Do not give water, milk, food, or any home remedy unless poison control or a clinician tells you to. The safest next step depends on what your child was exposed to.
Personalized assessment
Get personalized guidance for a possible child poisoning
Answer a few questions about the exposure, your child’s symptoms, and timing to get clear next-step guidance for this situation, including when to call poison control or seek emergency care.