My Baby Ate Tape

In this blog post, we’ll discuss what to do if your baby ate tape and provide some tips to prevent future incidents. But first, let’s explore why babies have a tendency to put non-food items in their mouths.

What to do if your baby eats tape

If you discover that your baby has eaten tape, it’s important to remain calm and take action. Here are some steps you can take:

Remain calm

It’s natural to feel anxious or worried, but it’s important to stay calm and focused. Your baby can sense your emotions, and remaining calm can help prevent them from becoming upset or distressed.

Assess the situation

Take note of the type and amount of tape your baby ingested. This information will be helpful when you call a doctor or poison control center.

Call a doctor or poison control center

Call your doctor or the poison control center immediately. They can provide guidance on what to do next and may advise you to bring your baby in for an evaluation.

Monitor your baby for symptoms

Watch your baby closely for any signs of discomfort or distress, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. If your baby exhibits any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

Prevent future incidents

Once your baby has ingested something they shouldn’t have, it’s important to take steps to prevent future incidents. Be vigilant about keeping small items out of your baby’s reach and consider using baby gates and locks to restrict access to hazardous areas.

How to keep tape away from baby

Here are some tips on how to keep tape away from your baby:

1. Store tape out of reach: Make sure to store tape in a location that is out of reach of your baby, such as a high shelf or a locked drawer.
2. Keep an eye on your baby during craft time: If you are doing any crafting or DIY projects that involve tape, make sure to keep a close eye on your baby and supervise them at all times.
3. Use tape alternatives: Consider using alternatives to tape, such as glue dots or adhesive putty, which are less likely to be ingested by your baby.
4. Cover electrical cords with tape: Electrical cords can be a tempting target for babies. Consider covering them with tape or using cord covers to make them less accessible.

By being mindful of potential hazards and taking steps to keep tape and other non-food items out of your baby’s reach, you can help ensure their safety and reduce the risk of ingestion.

Why does my baby like tape?

Babies like to put things in their mouths as part of their natural development and exploration process. It’s not uncommon for babies to be attracted to items like tape because of their texture, taste, or the way they feel in their mouths. Some babies may also enjoy the sensation of chewing on objects or may use them as a way to soothe their gums when they are teething.

Additionally, the adhesive on tape may have a sweet or salty taste, which can be appealing to babies. This taste may be similar to the taste of breastmilk or formula, which can make it even more appealing to a baby’s developing taste buds.

However, it’s important to remember that while your baby may be attracted to tape, it is not safe for them to ingest. Tape can pose serious health risks to babies, including choking, intestinal blockage, and adhesive toxicity. As a parent, it’s important to be vigilant about keeping non-food items like tape out of your baby’s reach and to provide safe and appropriate objects for them to explore with.

Potential consequences of eating tape

While it may seem harmless to a baby, eating tape can have serious consequences. Here are some potential risks associated with ingesting tape:

Choking hazard

Tape can pose a choking hazard, especially if your baby ingests a large amount or if the tape becomes lodged in their throat.

Intestinal blockage

Tape can cause an intestinal blockage, which can be a serious medical emergency. Symptoms of an intestinal blockage include abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation.

Toxicity of the adhesive

The adhesive on tape can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms of adhesive toxicity include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Risk of infection

If the tape has been contaminated with bacteria or other harmful substances, your baby may be at risk of developing an infection.

If you suspect that your baby has ingested tape, it’s important to seek medical help immediately. The potential risks associated with ingesting tape are serious and should not be taken lightly.