Published: March 20, 2026 | Source: Alabama Department of Public Health

Parents go to great lengths to keep their children safe. They install safety gates, cover electrical outlets, check car seat ratings, and read toy labels. But sometimes, even the most careful parents can overlook everyday items that seem harmless but can be dangerous if swallowed by a child.

Vitamins, energy drinks, and essential oils are common in many homes. Adults use them for health, energy, or relaxation. But for young children, these products can cause serious harm if taken in the wrong amount.

The Alabama Department of Public Health and the Alabama Poison Information Center want to help families stay informed about these hidden risks—and how to prevent accidents before they happen.

Essential Oils: Natural Does Not Mean Safe

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts used in aromatherapy, skincare, and home fragrances. When used correctly, they may help reduce stress or support relaxation. But they are powerful substances—and can be dangerous if swallowed, especially by infants and young children.

Even small amounts of certain essential oils can cause serious symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, seizures, or breathing problems.

Oils that require extra caution include:

Camphor: Found in products like Vicks VapoRub. Ingestion can cause confusion, agitation, hallucinations, or seizures.
Tea Tree Oil: Used as a topical antiseptic. If swallowed, it may cause drowsiness, slurred speech, or severe breathing difficulties.
Oil of Wintergreen: Has a sweet, minty scent that appeals to children. Even a small amount can lead to vomiting, ringing in the ears, seizures, or life-threatening toxicity.

In 2025, the Alabama Poison Information Center recorded 291 exposures to essential oils. So far in 2026, there have been 55 reported cases.

Keep essential oils and products containing them in locked cabinets, out of sight and reach of children. If a child swallows any of these products, do not induce vomiting. Instead, call the Alabama Poison Information Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222 for expert guidance.

Caffeine: Not Just for Adults

Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, soda, energy drinks, and some medications. While many adults consume caffeine daily, it affects children differently—and often more intensely.

There is no established safe amount of caffeine for children. Major health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend that children and teens under 18 avoid caffeine when possible.

Too much caffeine can cause:

Anxiety, jitteriness, or trouble sleeping
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Stomach upset or acid reflux
In rare cases, toxic reactions requiring emergency care

Energy drinks are a particular concern. In 2025, the Alabama Poison Information Center received 104 calls about children exposed to energy drinks alone. Because caffeine content varies widely by brand and serving size, always check nutrition labels—and keep these beverages out of children's reach.

Vitamins: Healthy for Adults, Risky for Kids

Vitamins are an important part of many adults' health routines. But for young children, they can look and taste like candy—especially gummy vitamins. This makes them a common cause of accidental ingestion.

In Alabama, vitamins consistently rank among the top 10 substances involved in pediatric exposures. In 2025, there were 979 reported cases. So far in 2026, there have been 254.

Most vitamin exposures cause mild symptoms. However, vitamins containing iron can be dangerous. Too much iron can lead to stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, long-term effects on growth and development.

To keep vitamins safe:

Store all vitamins and supplements in a locked or high cabinet, out of children's reach
Never call vitamins "candy," even if they are gummy or flavored
Be aware that colorful packaging can attract curious hands
Keep products in their original containers with child-resistant caps

What to Do in an Emergency

If you suspect a child has swallowed something they should not have:

Stay calm and remove any remaining product from the child's mouth
Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a medical professional
Call the Alabama Poison Information Center right away at 1-800-222-1222
Have the product container handy to share details with the specialist

The Poison Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and offers free, confidential advice.

Simple Prevention Steps

A few proactive habits can make a big difference:

Treat all adult products—vitamins, oils, medications, energy drinks—as potentially hazardous to children
Store these items in locked or high cabinets, never on countertops or in purses within reach
Read labels carefully and follow usage instructions
Talk to older children about why certain products are for adults only
Share safety tips with grandparents, babysitters, and other caregivers

Protect What Matters Most

Children explore the world with curiosity—and sometimes with their mouths. By securing everyday adult products and staying informed about potential risks, you create a safer home environment for your family.

When in doubt, call the experts. The Alabama Poison Information Center is just one phone call away: 1-800-222-1222.

This article is provided by Crestwood General. For more family health and safety resources, visit crestwoodgeneral.com