Baking soda, chemically known as sodium bicarbonate, is a simple compound widely recognized for its utility in cooking and household cleaning. This white, crystalline powder is a common staple in pantries and medicine cabinets for its leavening and antacid properties. However, its common use does not automatically translate to safety for infants and children. Parents and caregivers must carefully evaluate the potential for harm when ingested by a developing system.
The Physiological Risks of Ingestion
Ingestion of baking soda presents two severe physiological dangers that can rapidly lead to life-threatening complications. Because baking soda is composed of sodium and bicarbonate ions, consuming even a small amount introduces a massive, sudden load of sodium into a baby’s system. Each teaspoon contains approximately 1,250 milligrams of sodium, nearly the entire daily recommended limit for an adult.
This sudden sodium influx can quickly cause hypernatremia, where the concentration of sodium in the blood becomes dangerously high. An infant’s immature kidneys cannot efficiently process this overwhelming salt load, leading to severe dehydration and affecting the central nervous system. Severe hypernatremia can cause brain cells to shrink, potentially resulting in seizures, coma, or bleeding in the brain.
The bicarbonate component rapidly raises the blood’s pH balance, causing metabolic alkalosis. This shift disrupts normal bodily functions and can lead to symptoms like muscle spasms, depressed breathing, and abnormal heart rhythms. When sodium bicarbonate mixes with stomach acid, it also produces carbon dioxide gas. In infants, this rapid gas formation can lead to severe abdominal distention, risking gastric rupture.
Why Home Remedies Are Not Recommended
Parents sometimes consider baking soda as a remedy for common infant discomforts, such as acid reflux, colic, or excessive gas. They believe its alkaline properties will temporarily neutralize stomach acid, similar to how it works as an antacid in adults. However, this perceived benefit is fleeting and carries a significant risk of severe toxicity in infants.
The potential for hypernatremia and metabolic alkalosis far outweighs any temporary relief from symptoms like reflux or gas. Pediatricians strongly advise against using baking soda as an unapproved home remedy because it is impossible to safely control the dosage for a baby’s small body weight.
Instead, medically accepted alternatives should be used to manage common issues like reflux. These include ensuring proper burping techniques, adjusting feeding patterns to smaller, more frequent meals, and keeping the baby upright for about 30 minutes after feeding. For persistent or severe symptoms, a pediatrician can recommend approved, regulated treatments, such as formula thickening or prescription acid-reducing medications.
Safe Topical and Cleaning Uses
While ingestion is dangerous, baking soda is safe and effective for certain external and cleaning applications near a baby. Its mild abrasive and deodorizing nature makes it a good non-toxic cleaner for many baby items. It can be safely used to scrub grime and residue from high-chair trays, plastic toys, and baby bottles.
When used for cleaning, thoroughly rinse all surfaces with clean water afterward to ensure no residue remains that a baby could accidentally ingest. Baking soda can also be used topically to soothe minor skin irritation when added to bathwater. A small, extremely low concentration dissolved in a full tub may help relieve discomfort from diaper rash by neutralizing acidity on the skin. This method should only be used externally, never replacing standard medical treatment.
What to Do After Accidental Ingestion
If a baby accidentally ingests baking soda, immediate action is required to ensure their safety. First, remove any remaining powder from the baby’s mouth by wiping it out with a soft, wet cloth. Then, offer a small amount of water to drink to help clear the mouth and esophagus.
Immediately call the national Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for expert guidance. This service can provide specific instructions based on the situation. Be prepared to provide the staff with important details, including the approximate amount ingested, the baby’s current weight, and any symptoms they are currently exhibiting, such as vomiting or lethargy.
If the baby is experiencing severe symptoms like a seizure, difficulty breathing, or unresponsiveness, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a medical professional.