Toddler drunk at restaurant: Docs share what parents can do to keep kids safe while dining out
Key Takeaways
Last month, a toddler in California accidentally consumed cooking wine instead of apple juice while dining at a restaurant. The mix-up led to alarming symptoms.
This incident underscores how dangerous even small amounts of alcohol can be for children. Because children’s bodies process alcohol differently, it can have rapid, intense effects on their central nervous system.
Last month, a toddler in California suddenly became disoriented after mistakenly being served a glass of cooking wine, instead of apple juice, when dining at a restaurant.[] According to an Instagram video about the incident, the child was taken to the emergency room, where diagnostic testing revealed that her blood alcohol level was 0.12, two times the legal driving limit for adults.
The incident highlights just how dangerous alcohol consumption can be in kids, even if they only consume a little bit. “Alcohol is much more toxic to children than adults, even in small amounts,” says Heather Felton, MD, a pediatrician at Norton Children's Medical Group in Louisville, KY.
Here’s how doctors say parents can prevent their kids from accidentally swallowing alcohol.
How alcohol can affect children
Poison Control says that alcohol can be “a dangerous poison for children.”[] It depresses their central nervous systems, triggering a drop in their blood glucose levels. “There is a wide range of physical symptoms when it comes to alcohol ingestion in young children,” says Todd Zimmerman, DO, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Pediatrix Medical Group in Nevada.
Children, similar to adults, can act drunk when they consume alcohol. They may stagger, slur their speech, become drowsy, or vomit. Breathing and heart rate might slow down, according to Poison Control. In severe cases, children may experience seizures, coma, and even death. “Children's bodies process alcohol differently, so effects can be rapid and more dangerous,” Dr. Felton says.
The riskiest way children can consume alcohol is by ingesting it in the form of a beverage, such as a glass of wine, beer, or liquor. Swallowing mouthwash can also be dangerous.
“If left out, and your child gets hold of cooking wine or certain flavorings like vanilla extract, and they drink a fair amount of it, there absolutely can be untoward effects from the alcohol,” Dr. Zimmerman says.
When alcohol is used in very small amounts, like when cooking or baking, it’s unlikely that your child will be hurt, Dr. Zimmerman adds. But no amount of alcohol is safe for kids. “Many people think that it’s OK, since the alcohol ‘boils off,’ but it’s not possible to cook out all of the alcohol completely,” says Cherilyn Davis, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician at Elliston Pediatrics in New York.
How caretakes can prevent kids from accidentally ingesting alcohol
The parents of the girl in California say that the incident taught them to be even more vigilant about what their child consumes. Their recommendation? Always taste food or beverages served to your kids when eating out.
Dr. Zimmerman recommends ensuring that liquids such as cooking wines, vanilla extract, wines, beers, or liquor are never left out or in reach of kids. Store them on a high shelf, preferably one that can be locked, he advises. Always empty out any cups or glasses that have leftover beverages in them, Dr. Davis adds. “Since it can be easy to mix up drinks during the holidays, take extra precaution by smelling and tasting what is in your child’s cup before they drink from it,” she recommends.
If parents suspect that their child has consumed alcohol—if their kid seems dizzy and confused or is having trouble breathing or staying awake—they should contact their local poison control center by calling 1-800-222-1222 or take them to the nearest emergency room. “We all know our children, and if at any time you see or feel [that] your child is acting very off or very abnormal, you should call 911 immediately,” says Dr. Zimmerman.