The Unhealthy Foods Your Kids Eat Are Dangerous (and Those That Are Just Disgusting)

Babies don’t just explore the world with their hands and eyes. These curious creatures also learn about it from their mouths and put anything in it to learn more about everything that surrounds them. Dirty old coins? Yeah. TV remote? Certainly! Old food from under the couch? Certainly. The items that toddlers will put in their pie holes will likely give former Fear Factor host Joe Rogan a little nausea and may make you a little uneasy.

But what foods can a child eat, and which ones require contacting the toxicological service? We’ll see what to do when kids eat disgusting things.

Peak Note

As we said above, babies use their mouth to learn more about the world around them. However, there is an eating disorder called pikaism (PIE-kuh), in which a person eats things that are not considered food, such as rocks, chalk, and even bits of paint. This can be caused by developmental issues, stress and hunger and can lead to a number of health issues depending on what they eat. Nemours Children’s Health recommends seeing a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Things that are probably okay

• Poop: It’s not a candy bar they’re eating, and according to the Missouri Poison Center , kids eat poop more often than you might think. The chances of them eating cookies increase when there is a pet in the house. The good news is that poop is not toxic and tastes bad (so we’re told), which keeps kids from eating large amounts. If you find your child chewing toilet trout, wash their hands thoroughly and give them a glass of water. Seek immediate medical attention if they develop rare symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
• Boogers: As we explained last year , biting goblins’ noses can actually help kids boost their immune systems, but the habit is socially unacceptable. This will be a process to get them to stop, so explain to the kids why eating their boogers is not good, keep tissues handy at all times, and give their hands something else.
• Pet Food: If you find your little one is eating from Fido’s bowl, that’s okay. According to the Illinois Poison Center , dog food formulations include plant and animal ingredients such as corn, rice, wheat, beef, poultry, and fish, which, although of lower quality than human food, are still non-toxic. Be aware that larger pet food pellets pose a choking hazard.
• Spoiled Food: If your little one swallowed milk or ate something that was past its expiration date, there is nothing to worry about. Seattle Children’s Hospital says there is little risk of vomiting or diarrhea from eating expired food.
• Mud, bugs and worms: we all ate mud and got well, right? According to Seattle Children’s Hospital , dirt and grime can contain feces, but as we explained above, they are not toxic and there is little risk of developing diarrhea and other symptoms. If this happens, call your pediatrician. If you’re concerned that the dirt they’ve eaten contains bugs or worms, the Illinois Poison Center says these squirming delicacies are unlikely to cause harm.
• Coins: The change under your sofa cushions was probably rabid, but the metal in pennies and nickels is not toxic. However, they can pose a risk to your child, so it’s time to see how many things have fallen out of your pockets over the years. Might be enough to get a head start in this college fund.

Things You Should Be Worried About

• Mushrooms. After watching Super Mario Bros. , your children may think that if you eat mushrooms, they increase in size. The reality is that outside of the Mushroom Kingdom, these mushrooms can be extremely poisonous. If your child eats toadstools, the Illinois Poison Center recommends calling your local poison control center and taking pictures of the mushroom to help them determine the best treatment options based on what your child has eaten.
• Berries and Plants: Some berries that grow indoors and outdoors can cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, salivation, and drowsiness. Others can cause mouth irritation and, in the case of castor beans, can lead to toxicity. If any of these symptoms occur, call your local poison control center as soon as possible.
• Your hash stash: Many states have decriminalized recreational and medical cannabis use, including edibles, which means an increased chance of catching your child’s hand in your edible jar. The National Capital Poison Center reports that THC can cause vomiting, dizziness, difficulty walking, increased heart rate, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, hallucinations, an abnormally slow heart rate, and low blood pressure may occur. Call poison control or take them to the hospital immediately.
• Vomiting: Spitting up food is completely normal, but vomiting or eating vomit can be a sign of a more serious problem that requires the expertise of your pediatrician to resolve.