Parentpedia

What Experts Say

Your baby's "mouth-it" approach to exploration extends to everything she can reach, including your favorite English ivy. Trouble is, like many common plants and most ornamentals, this one's toxic. That said, it's essential that you take steps to keep risky plants out of your baby's reach.

Some poisonous plants are fatal if eaten, while others cause nausea, vomiting, sore throat, or a rash or swelling. Many have a bitter taste that is likely to put off a curious taste-tester after one bite, but in some cases, even a small amount can be fatal.

"A leaf or two of oleander can stop a child's heart, but after chewing poinsettia leaves, you probably won't see more than a sore mouth," says Dan Brown, Ph.D., a scientist and professor who specializes in poisonous plants at Cornell University. "So the best thing is to learn and evaluate what you have, inside and out."

Start by identifying all greenery before your baby is mobile. Learn the botanical names of each plant in your home and yard; if you get stuck, bring in a clipping to a garden center to help you identify the plant. And before you purchase a new plant, find out if it's poisonous.

Some parenting experts recommend that you give away any poisonous plants to completely eliminate the threat in your home. Others advise parents to move toxic plants to a place where your child cannot access them. If you take the latter approach, note that simply placing plants on a high shelf or hanging them on an arm still gives babies access via climbing or by finding leaves that fall to the floor.

If you keep any poisonous plants at home, label them with their botanical names so that you can quickly identify them for a health care professional or poison expert.

Teach older children that it's not safe to eat any plant, berry, or mushroom in the house or yard, but don't leave it at that: Supervision is essential for babies and toddlers. If your baby eats a suspicious plant, check her hands, eyes, lips, and mouth for redness, blistering, or swelling. Telltale signs include spilled dirt and shredded leaves.

If you're at all suspicious, call the American Association of Poison Control Center and have the name of the plant ready. If you're advised to take your child to an emergency room, bring a clipping of the plant and its botanical name.