Accidents happen quickly when you have a curious toddler. Many parents have gone into the bathroom or kitchen for just a minute, only to come back and discover that their little one has gotten into a medicine bottle. If your 1-year-old ate Tums, you may be scared, confused, and unsure of what to do next. The good news is that Tums are considered low in toxicity, but that doesn’t mean they are completely harmless. Acting quickly and following the right steps is the safest choice.
This guide explains exactly what you should do if your child gets into Tums, what symptoms to watch for, when to call for emergency help, and how to prevent it from happening again. It’s long, detailed, and meant to give you peace of mind in a stressful situation. However, it is not a replacement for professional medical advice — always call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the U.S.) or your pediatrician when a child ingests medication.
What Are Tums?
Tums are an over-the-counter antacid made of calcium carbonate. Adults use them to relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach. They also provide extra calcium for bone health. While safe for adults in recommended amounts, calcium carbonate can cause problems if a small child swallows a large amount.
Most commonly, toddlers get into Tums because:
- Tums look and taste like candy (they come in fruit flavors).
- They are often stored in purses, nightstands, or bathroom counters — within easy reach of little hands.
- Child-resistant caps are not truly child-proof.
Why Is Eating Tums a Concern for a 1-Year-Old?
While a small dose may not cause serious harm, there are risks when a baby or toddler eats Tums:
- Too much calcium can upset the balance in the body, leading to nausea, constipation, or, in extreme cases, kidney strain.
- Choking hazard if the child swallows a large piece or too many at once.
- Stomach upset since their digestive system is still developing.
- Uncertainty of dose — it’s hard to know how many were eaten if you didn’t see it happen.
The key factor is the amount eaten compared to the child’s weight. That’s why calling poison control is so important.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess
First, take a breath. Panicking won’t help your child. Instead:
- Check your child’s mouth to make sure no large pieces are stuck. Remove anything you can see safely.
- Look at the Tums bottle — note the strength (commonly 500 mg, 750 mg, or 1,000 mg) and try to estimate how many tablets are missing.
- Note your child’s age and weight. This will help medical professionals give you accurate advice.
Step 2: Call Poison Control Immediately
In the U.S., call 1-800-222-1222. This free hotline connects you with trained toxicology experts who deal with these situations every day. They will ask you questions like:
- How old is your child?
- What is their approximate weight?
- Which type and strength of Tums did they eat?
- How many tablets do you think were ingested?
- When did the ingestion happen?
Based on your answers, they will give you clear instructions. Sometimes this means just watching your child at home; other times, it may mean going to the emergency department for monitoring.
Step 3: Watch for Symptoms
Even if poison control says your child is likely fine, it’s important to watch for signs of a reaction. Possible symptoms after eating too many Tums include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Excessive gas or stomach cramps
- Unusual tiredness, confusion, or irritability
- Very rare but serious: muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, or irregular heartbeat
If any serious symptoms occur, call 911 immediately.
Step 4: What NOT to Do
It may be tempting to act fast in ways that feel right, but certain actions can make things worse. Do not:
- Do not try to make your child vomit — this can cause choking and more harm.
- Do not give food, water, or milk unless poison control specifically instructs you to.
- Do not wait and see without calling for advice — even if your child looks fine right now.
Safe Dose Reference
To put things in perspective, here is a rough idea of calcium intake for toddlers:
- The recommended daily calcium intake for a 1-year-old is about 700 mg per day.
- One regular Tums tablet may contain 500 mg of calcium carbonate, which equals about 200 mg of elemental calcium.
- That means even one tablet provides nearly one-third of a toddler’s daily calcium needs.
A single tablet is usually not harmful, but eating several could push calcium levels too high. That’s why medical guidance is essential.
When to Go to the Emergency Room
While many cases are mild, head to the ER or call 911 if your child shows any of these red-flag symptoms:
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Persistent vomiting
- Extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking up
- Unresponsiveness or seizures
- Irregular heartbeat or weakness
Long-Term Risks of Overexposure
Occasional accidental ingestion of one or two Tums is unlikely to cause long-term problems. However, repeated or large doses could contribute to:
- Kidney strain from excess calcium
- Changes in blood mineral balance
- Constipation issues
Always keep medications out of reach to prevent repeated incidents.
How to Prevent Accidents
The best protection is prevention. Tips to reduce the risk of medication accidents include:
- Store all medications in a high, locked cabinet — not in purses, drawers, or countertops.
- Always close bottles tightly, even child-resistant ones.
- Teach older siblings not to give “candy” to the baby.
- Dispose of expired or unneeded medications safely.
- Keep the Poison Control number saved in your phone and posted somewhere visible.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is one Tums dangerous for a 1-year-old?
In most cases, one tablet is not dangerous. Still, it’s always best to call Poison Control for personalized guidance.
2. What if I don’t know how many Tums were eaten?
Assume the worst until proven otherwise. Call Poison Control and bring the bottle with you if you go to the hospital. They can calculate the potential dose.
3. Can Tums hurt my baby’s kidneys?
One small accidental dose is unlikely to cause kidney problems. However, very large doses or repeated ingestion can stress the kidneys. That’s why prompt medical advice is important.
4. Should I give my child water after eating Tums?
Do not give water, milk, or food until you are told it’s safe by Poison Control. Sometimes extra fluid can help, but other times it may not be recommended.
5. Are Tums toxic to children?
Tums are not considered highly toxic, but the calcium content can be harmful in large amounts. Unlike vitamins with iron (which are more dangerous), Tums usually cause only stomach upset if eaten in small quantities.
Conclusion
If your 1-year-old ate Tums, don’t panic — but do act. The safest steps are to check your child, gather the medication details, and call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Most children do well after accidental ingestion, but professional guidance is the key to avoiding complications. And going forward, keeping medications locked away is the best way to prevent another scare.
Your quick response today not only keeps your child safe but also builds confidence for handling unexpected parenting emergencies in the future.