If your child eats Play-Doh, the first thing to do is rinse their mouth out and give them something to drink.
While Play-Doh is non-toxic, it's not meant to be eaten. Here's a more detailed breakdown of what to do:
Steps to Take
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Rinse the Mouth: Immediately rinse your child's mouth with water to remove any remaining Play-Doh.
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Offer a Drink: Provide your child with water or milk to help wash down any Play-Doh that may have been swallowed. This can also help ease any discomfort.
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Observe for Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your child for any unusual symptoms such as:
- Choking
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
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Contact Poison Control: If your child consumed a significant amount of Play-Doh or if you observe concerning symptoms, contact Poison Control immediately. You can reach them through:
- WebPOISONCONTROL online tool: This provides immediate guidance.
- Phone: Call 1-800-222-1222.
Why Play-Doh Isn't Dangerous (Usually)
Play-Doh is primarily made of water, salt, and flour. The high salt content is what typically makes children not want to eat very much of it. The ingredients are considered non-toxic, which means they aren't poisonous or likely to cause serious harm in small amounts.
When to Worry
While Play-Doh is generally safe, there are situations when you should seek professional medical advice:
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Large Quantity Ingested: If your child eats a significant amount of Play-Doh, it could cause a stomachache or possibly even a blockage, though this is rare.
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Allergic Reactions: Although uncommon, some children might have an allergic reaction to an ingredient in Play-Doh.
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Existing Health Conditions: Children with pre-existing medical conditions may be more vulnerable to complications.
Prevention
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Supervision: Closely supervise young children while they are playing with Play-Doh.
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Explain: Teach your child that Play-Doh is for playing, not eating.
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Store Properly: Keep Play-Doh out of reach when not in use.
In most cases, eating Play-Doh is not a cause for major concern. However, it's always best to take precautions and seek professional advice if you have any worries.
