It happens to the best of us: you turn your back for a moment, and your curious baby finds their way into the medicine cabinet or your handbag. If your baby got into Tums, you may be feeling anxious and unsure of what to do next. Tums are a common household antacid for adults, but what happens when little ones chew or swallow them? This guide will walk you through the risks, what steps to take immediately, and how to keep your child safe in the future.
1. What Are Tums?
Tums are chewable antacid tablets that contain calcium carbonate as the active ingredient. They are used by adults to treat:
- Heartburn
- Acid indigestion
- Sour stomach
Each tablet contains anywhere from 500 to 1,000 milligrams of calcium carbonate, depending on the strength. While safe for adults when taken as directed, Tums are not designed for babies or toddlers.
2. Are Tums Poisonous to Babies?
No, Tums are not usually poisonous if a baby eats one or two tablets by accident. Calcium carbonate itself is not highly toxic. However, problems can arise because:
- Babies have much smaller bodies, so even small amounts can affect them differently.
- Tums contain added ingredients like sugar, flavoring, or food dyes that may upset a baby’s stomach.
- Large amounts could cause constipation, stomach upset, or changes in calcium balance.
3. What Happens If a Baby Eats Tums?
If your baby chews or swallows one or two Tums, the most likely outcome is mild digestive upset, or no symptoms at all. However, depending on how much was ingested, possible effects include:
- Constipation
- Gas or bloating
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability
- In rare cases, vomiting or weakness
Serious complications are rare, but too much calcium can stress a baby’s kidneys or affect normal body function.
4. What To Do Immediately
If your baby got into Tums, follow these steps right away:
- Stay calm: One or two tablets are unlikely to cause serious harm.
- Check how much was eaten: Look at the bottle and see if tablets are missing or crumbled.
- Remove any leftovers: Take away any tablets still in your baby’s mouth or hands.
- Offer water: A few sips of water can help wash the tablets down and dilute their effects.
- Call Poison Control: In the U.S., dial 1-800-222-1222 for free, expert advice 24/7.
- Monitor your baby: Watch for vomiting, constipation, or unusual behavior.
5. When to Call the Doctor
Contact your pediatrician or seek medical care if:
- Your baby ate multiple tablets and you don’t know how many.
- Your baby shows symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual drowsiness.
- Your baby has a history of kidney or metabolic problems.
- You are unsure about the safety of the specific Tums variety (some may contain sweeteners not safe for children).
6. Are There Long-Term Risks?
For a one-time accidental ingestion, long-term risks are extremely unlikely. Calcium carbonate is sometimes used under medical supervision in older children for specific conditions. The main concern is short-term stomach upset. Repeated ingestion, however, could lead to:
- Constipation or digestive issues
- Excess calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia)
- Kidney stress or kidney stones (rare in children)
As long as the incident is isolated, no lasting effects are expected.
7. How to Prevent Future Incidents
Curiosity is natural for babies, but you can take steps to keep medicines out of reach:
- Always store Tums and all medicines in a locked cabinet or high shelf.
- Use child-proof caps and make sure bottles are tightly closed.
- Keep handbags, purses, and diaper bags out of reach — babies love to explore them.
- Teach older siblings not to share or “play” with medicine.
- Consider a locked storage box if your baby is especially curious.
8. Safer Alternatives for Baby Digestive Discomfort
If your baby seems to struggle with digestive issues, don’t use Tums or other adult antacids. Instead, safer approaches include:
- Burping frequently: Helps relieve gas in young infants.
- Keeping baby upright after feeding: Reduces reflux.
- Adjusting feeding volume and frequency: Smaller, more frequent feedings can prevent overfilling the stomach.
- Using pediatric probiotics: Only with pediatrician approval, probiotics can sometimes improve digestion.
- Pediatric-approved medications: If reflux or indigestion is chronic, your pediatrician may recommend safe treatment options.
9. Comparison Table: Tums vs. Baby-Safe Options
| Remedy | Safe for Babies? | Best For | Concerns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tums (calcium carbonate) | No | Not recommended | Too strong, not designed for infants |
| Burping after feeding | Yes | Gas relief | Needs consistent practice |
| Upright positioning | Yes | Reflux prevention | Requires supervision |
| Probiotics (pediatric) | Yes, with doctor approval | Gut health | Not for all infants |
| Pediatric meds | Yes, prescription only | Severe reflux | Medical supervision required |
10. Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my baby chewed a Tums?
Remove any remaining pieces, offer water, and call Poison Control or your pediatrician for advice.
Are Tums toxic for infants?
No, not in small amounts. But they are not safe or appropriate for babies, and large amounts could cause problems.
Can babies use antacids at all?
Only under strict medical supervision. Pediatricians may prescribe special medications for infant reflux, but not over-the-counter Tums.
Will one Tums hurt my baby?
Most likely no. One tablet is unlikely to cause serious harm, but you should still contact Poison Control or your doctor for guidance.
Can I give my baby Tums for colic?
No. Tums are not a treatment for colic or gas in babies. Use safe methods like burping and tummy time instead.
11. When to Seek Emergency Care
Go to the ER or call your doctor immediately if your baby shows any of the following after eating Tums:
- Persistent vomiting
- Severe diarrhea or dehydration
- Unusual sleepiness or unresponsiveness
- Tremors or seizures
- Difficulty breathing
12. Conclusion
What if your baby got into Tums? Don’t panic — one or two tablets are unlikely to cause serious harm. However, Tums are not safe for babies as a remedy and should never be given intentionally. If your baby ingests them accidentally, remove any leftovers, give water, and call Poison Control or your pediatrician for advice. Always store medicines securely and consider baby-safe alternatives for digestive discomfort.
Bottom line: An accidental nibble on a Tums tablet is usually not dangerous, but professional guidance is always best when it comes to your baby’s health.