Skip to content
SleepBaby .org
Accidental Ingestion

Help, My Baby Ate a Spider: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Read the answer first. The Workshop is here only when you want the next step.

Mother carrying her awake baby toward a safety gate while a father contains a small spider under a clear cup

My Baby Ate A Spider: Is it Dangerous?

The idea of your baby eating a spider can be very unsettling, but in most cases, it’s not cause for serious concern.

The Spider’s Size and Species

The size and species of the spider play a role in the potential harm it could cause. However, the vast majority of spiders are not harmful if ingested.

Poisonous Spiders

Most common house spiders aren’t poisonous. However, there are some venomous species. If you know or suspect the spider to be a poisonous variety, contact healthcare professionals immediately.

SleepBaby.org · The original video

A little help
for the night ahead.

Take a moment to watch the original Baby Sleep Miracle presentation. Your article will be right here when you’re ready to keep reading.

Baby Sleep MiracleWatch here

Starts when the video comes into view.

What viewers said10 comments · 4 replies

Archived comments from the original Baby Sleep Miracle presentation. Not independently verified by SleepBaby.org; individual experiences vary.

Samantha HigginsOakland, FL

Thank you so much for this video! I had no idea about the dangers of baby swings :O

Regina WillburthWorcester, UK

Hi Mary-Ann. I have a question: Is method in any way similar to the ones recommended by Dr Bucknam, Dr. Weissbluth or Dr. Karp? We tried those but none of them help.

Mary-Ann SchulerBabySleepMiracle.com

Hi Regina, thank you for your question. The short answer is no. The techniques I share in my guide are based on newest scientific research and this is why I have never seen any approach similar to the one I recommend.

Mirella CruzEl Paso, TX

This method really works! I tried it on my son Jesus and after just one week he went from waking up more than 5 times a night to waking up just once or twice. You are a lifesaver, Mary-Ann!

Judy LeeFremont, CA

I'm truly impressed with how much information you share in your video. And all for free! I can feel that you truly care about mothers like myself, and that's hard to find these days. I have recommended your site to several of my friends already.

Chloe JacksonLansing, MI

Mary-Ann, our child suffers from autism. Is your approach still suited?

Mary-Ann SchulerBabySleepMiracle.com

Chloe, I made sure my method can be used with any child, even babies who are special like yours. Please note that I'm not a doctor and that I always advice to consult with your physician because nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of your love.

Heide SommerHamburg, Germany

Hallo Mary-Ann, I'm from Germany. Do you have your guide in German?

Mary-Ann SchulerBabySleepMiracle.com

Hello Heide, we do! Normally you should already see our video in German. If not, please contact our support so they can guide you

Heide SommerHamburg, Germany

Thenk you for your answer, Mary-Ann!

Audrey RyanKenosha, WI

I just completed your approach and I have to say, it worked almost too well. Yes, it took a bit of getting used to with your bedtime routine but the difference is huge. My son George used to take 1 hours to go down and now he's firmly asleep in no more than 10 minutes! You're the best!

Richard ConnerSchaumburg, IL

It seems I'm the only man watching this video, lol! What you shared about the 'emotional backpack' made immediate sense to me and I can't wait to help my little girl Mila to unpack it!

Kaylee NicholasCanton, OH

Hey there, just discovered your site and this really sounds different. Just wanted to say thanks for sharing :)

Genesis HudsonBismarck, North Dakota, ND

For everyone who's still thinking about getting Mary-Ann's guide I want to advise you to go ahead. I wasn't sure myself but now I'm so thankful I invested in this program. It made a huge difference in our life as a family and yes, my baby girl does sleep through the night now.

Ready to get started?Take the next step with SleepBaby.

Pick your price

What Should I Do If My Baby Ate A Spider?

Stay Calm and Observe

The first step is to remain calm and observe your child for any signs of distress or abnormal behavior.

Contact Healthcare Provider

If you’re unsure about the type of spider or if your baby shows signs of discomfort, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider.

Prevention: Keeping Spiders Away from Your Baby

To prevent future encounters between your baby and spiders, ensure your home is regularly cleaned, particularly in corners and behind furniture where spiders tend to reside.

The Immediate Effects of Ingesting a Spider

What Happens If You Accidentally Swallow a Spider?

Generally, swallowing a spider is harmless. The digestive system would break down the spider as it would any other piece of food.

Can Ingesting a Dead Spider or Other Insects Harm a Baby?

Ingesting a dead spider or even a dead fly or stink bug is usually harmless, unless the bug was carrying a disease. However, this is unlikely and the chance of infection is low.

Food Contaminated by Spiders and Insects

Is Food or Drink Safe to Consume If a Spider Has Been On It?

While it can be unappetizing, food or drink that a spider has been on is usually safe to consume. The exception is if the spider is venomous and has left venom on the food or drink.

Understanding Spider Poison and Its Effects

Can You Get Poisoned By a Spider?

You can only get poisoned if the spider is venomous and bites you. Simply ingesting a spider, even a venomous one, should not poison you.

Are House Spiders Poisonous?

Most common house spiders are not dangerous to humans. However, some, like the brown recluse or the black widow, are venomous and can cause harm if they bite.

Is Spider Venom Harmful to Humans?

While most spiders’ venom is not harmful to humans, there are a few species, such as the brown recluse and the black widow, whose venom can cause serious harm.

Risks and Precautions: Protecting Your Baby

Is Insect Killer Harmful to Babies?

Insect killers can indeed be harmful to babies if ingested, inhaled, or if it comes into contact with their skin. It is essential to keep these products out of reach of children.

How to Identify If a Spider Is Venomous?

There are many types of spiders, and only a small percentage are venomous. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the venomous spiders in your region. Characteristics like bright colors, unique patterns, or distinctive body shapes can be indicators of venomous spiders.

Real Experiences from Real Parents

“Living in Australia, we’re used to dealing with all sorts of creepy crawlies. But it was still a shock when our baby Maisie decided to snack on a Huntsman spider! Those spiders look terrifying but aren’t actually venomous. She seemed completely unfazed, but it was a story we shared with our pediatrician on the very next visit.” – Gemma, mother of three from Sydney.

“I nearly had a heart attack when I saw my toddler son, Ben, with a squished spider in his hand and a curious look on his face. I wasn’t sure if he had actually eaten it or not. After a frantic online search, we ended up at the ER just to be safe. They assured us it was most likely harmless. It turned out to be a false alarm, but it was a scary couple of hours.” – Sam, father of two from Texas.

How SleepBaby.org Can Assist With Your Baby’s Health and Sleep

It’s natural for babies to explore their environment, which can sometimes lead to unexpected incidents like ingesting a spider. This situation can cause anxiety for parents, leading to disrupted sleep patterns for both baby and parent.

At SleepBaby.org, we recognize the importance of a good night’s sleep for your baby’s development and your peace of mind. We provide practical solutions and expert advice on how to soothe your baby, get them back on their sleep schedule, and how to handle situations that might disrupt your baby’s sleep.

Our resources can help you understand the correlation between your baby’s overall health, their sleep, and how to manage situations that might disrupt this crucial rest period. Visit SleepBaby.org for support on your journey to peaceful nights and worry-free days.

SleepBaby.org · The original video

A next step for
the next bedtime.

Still thinking about sleep? Watch the presentation here, then explore the SleepBaby program whenever you’re ready.

Baby Sleep MiracleWatch here

Starts when the video comes into view.

What viewers said10 comments · 4 replies

Archived comments from the original Baby Sleep Miracle presentation. Not independently verified by SleepBaby.org; individual experiences vary.

Samantha HigginsOakland, FL

Thank you so much for this video! I had no idea about the dangers of baby swings :O

Regina WillburthWorcester, UK

Hi Mary-Ann. I have a question: Is method in any way similar to the ones recommended by Dr Bucknam, Dr. Weissbluth or Dr. Karp? We tried those but none of them help.

Mary-Ann SchulerBabySleepMiracle.com

Hi Regina, thank you for your question. The short answer is no. The techniques I share in my guide are based on newest scientific research and this is why I have never seen any approach similar to the one I recommend.

Mirella CruzEl Paso, TX

This method really works! I tried it on my son Jesus and after just one week he went from waking up more than 5 times a night to waking up just once or twice. You are a lifesaver, Mary-Ann!

Judy LeeFremont, CA

I'm truly impressed with how much information you share in your video. And all for free! I can feel that you truly care about mothers like myself, and that's hard to find these days. I have recommended your site to several of my friends already.

Chloe JacksonLansing, MI

Mary-Ann, our child suffers from autism. Is your approach still suited?

Mary-Ann SchulerBabySleepMiracle.com

Chloe, I made sure my method can be used with any child, even babies who are special like yours. Please note that I'm not a doctor and that I always advice to consult with your physician because nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of your love.

Heide SommerHamburg, Germany

Hallo Mary-Ann, I'm from Germany. Do you have your guide in German?

Mary-Ann SchulerBabySleepMiracle.com

Hello Heide, we do! Normally you should already see our video in German. If not, please contact our support so they can guide you

Heide SommerHamburg, Germany

Thenk you for your answer, Mary-Ann!

Audrey RyanKenosha, WI

I just completed your approach and I have to say, it worked almost too well. Yes, it took a bit of getting used to with your bedtime routine but the difference is huge. My son George used to take 1 hours to go down and now he's firmly asleep in no more than 10 minutes! You're the best!

Richard ConnerSchaumburg, IL

It seems I'm the only man watching this video, lol! What you shared about the 'emotional backpack' made immediate sense to me and I can't wait to help my little girl Mila to unpack it!

Kaylee NicholasCanton, OH

Hey there, just discovered your site and this really sounds different. Just wanted to say thanks for sharing :)

Genesis HudsonBismarck, North Dakota, ND

For everyone who's still thinking about getting Mary-Ann's guide I want to advise you to go ahead. I wasn't sure myself but now I'm so thankful I invested in this program. It made a huge difference in our life as a family and yes, my baby girl does sleep through the night now.

Ready to get started?Take the next step with SleepBaby.

Pick your price
SleepBaby.org The Workshop. Your digital
starting point ↗
SleepBaby.org Tonight’s
quick start.
SleepBaby.org Your
14-night
workbook.
Digital guide + planning tools

A LITTLE LESS GUESSING AT BEDTIME

Ready to put a bedtime plan together?

Explore the SleepBaby.org Workshop—a digital sleep guide, tonight’s quick start, and a 14-night workbook to help you organize your next steps.

See what’s inside

You pick the price. One payment. No subscription.