Parents often experience alarm when their baby ingests something that is not food, such as styrofoam. While it can be a frightening situation, understanding the potential implications and knowing the appropriate steps can help manage the concern. This article aims to provide clarity on what happens if a baby eats styrofoam, offering guidance for parents.
Immediate Actions to Take
If you discover your baby has eaten styrofoam, remain calm and assess the situation. Immediately check for any signs of choking, such as difficulty breathing, coughing, gagging, or unusual sounds. If your baby is actively choking, seek emergency medical assistance immediately by calling 911.
If choking is not occurring, carefully remove any remaining styrofoam pieces from your baby’s mouth using a soft, wet cloth. Offer your baby a small amount of water to drink, which can help wash down any small fragments. Contact a poison control center immediately at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.
Understanding the Risks
Styrofoam, a form of polystyrene foam, does not break down or get absorbed by the body. The primary concern with a baby eating styrofoam is the potential for choking, especially if the pieces are large. A larger piece could become lodged in the throat or esophagus, leading to difficulty swallowing or breathing.
While rare for small pieces, a substantial amount of foam could potentially cause a gastrointestinal blockage, preventing the proper passage of food through the digestive system. Symptoms of a blockage might include abdominal pain, vomiting, or changes in bowel movements. Styrofoam is considered non-toxic in small amounts, as it is largely inert. Small ingested pieces are expected to pass through the digestive tract without issues and may be visible in the baby’s stool over the next day or so.
Preventing Accidental Ingestion
To minimize the risk of a baby ingesting styrofoam, implement preventative measures throughout your home. Securely store all styrofoam objects and packaging materials in containers, cabinets, or areas out of a child’s reach. If you have small pieces of styrofoam, placing them in sealed bags can further prevent access.
Properly dispose of styrofoam waste in a way that babies cannot retrieve it. Closely supervise babies, particularly when they are playing or in areas where styrofoam might be present. Offering safe, non-toxic chew toys or other appropriate alternatives can redirect a baby’s natural oral exploration away from potentially unsafe items like styrofoam.