Protecting Your Little Ones: The Truth About Peace Lilies and Baby Safety

With their lush foliage and elegant white blooms, peace lilies have become a popular houseplant choice for many. Revered for their ability to purify the air and bring a sense of tranquility to any space, these plants have gained a reputation as low-maintenance and safe choices for homes with young children. However, recent studies have raised concerns about the potential toxicity of peace lilies to babies. As parents strive to create a safe environment for their little ones, it’s important to explore this topic further and understand the potential risks associated with these beloved plants. In this article, we will take a closer look at the question on many parents’ minds: Are peace lilies toxic to babies?

Peace lilies, also known as Spathiphyllum, are beautiful and popular houseplants that are loved for their gorgeous white flowers and air-purifying abilities. However, there have been concerns about whether these plants are safe to keep around infants and young children. In this article, we will explore the potential toxicity of peace lilies to babies and provide you with detailed information on how to safely care for these plants in a home with little ones.

What Are Peace Lilies?

Peace lilies are tropical evergreen plants that belong to the Araceae family. They are native to South America and can grow up to 16 inches tall in indoor conditions. These plants have large, glossy green leaves and produce elegant white flowers, which give them their other common name, white sail plant.

They are popular houseplants because of their ability to filter harmful toxins from the air, making them great additions to any home or office space. Apart from their air-purifying qualities, peace lilies are also low maintenance and easy to care for, making them ideal for busy individuals.

The Potential Toxicity of Peace Lilies to Babies

While peace lilies are generally considered safe for humans and pets, they do contain calcium oxalate crystals which can cause mild irritation if ingested or touched. These crystals can be found in all parts of the plant – leaves, stems, flowers, and roots – but they are most concentrated in the sap.

If a baby or young child comes into contact with the sap or any other part of the plant, they may experience symptoms such as swelling, redness, burning sensation on the skin or mouth if ingested. In rare cases where a large amount is consumed, there may be nausea and vomiting.

However, despite these potential risks, it is essential to note that peace lilies are not considered highly toxic to humans or animals. The level of toxicity depends on the amount ingested and the individual’s sensitivity to the plant. In most cases, the symptoms are mild and can be easily managed at home.

Precautions to Take When Growing Peace Lilies Around Babies

As a parent or caregiver, it is natural to have concerns about keeping peace lilies in your home if you have infants or young children. But with a few precautionary measures, you can still enjoy these beautiful plants without putting your little ones at risk.

Firstly, it is crucial to keep peace lilies out of reach of children. Place them on high shelves or areas where they cannot be easily accessed by infants who might try to put things in their mouths.

Secondly, when handling peace lilies, it is recommended to wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after coming into contact with the plant’s sap. This will minimize any potential irritation.

For parents who have crawling babies, it is essential to regularly inspect your houseplants for any fallen leaves or flowers that may pose a choking hazard. This applies not only to peace lilies but also to other houseplants as well.

Lastly, if you know that your child has ingested part of a peace lily, it is essential to contact your doctor immediately for further advice. As mentioned earlier, although rare, there may be some adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits of Keeping Peace Lilies around Babies

While some may view peace lilies as unsafe when kept around infants and young children, there are also some benefits that come with having these plants in the house.

As mentioned earlier, peace lilies are excellent air-purifying plants. They can remove harmful substances such as benzene and formaldehyde from the air – substances commonly found in household products such as cleaning agents and paints. With babies spending most of their time indoors, it is essential to have clean air to promote their healthy development.

Moreover, peace lilies are also known for their ability to increase humidity in the air. This is especially beneficial during winter months when the air indoors tends to be dry. Adequate humidity levels can help relieve symptoms of common colds and respiratory infections in infants and young children.

In conclusion, peace lilies are beautiful and beneficial plants that can make a great addition to any home, even if there are babies present. While they do contain some potentially toxic substances, with caution and proper care, you can still safely grow these plants in your house. As always, it is essential to be mindful of keeping them out of reach of children and regularly inspecting your houseplants for any potential hazards. With proper care, peace lilies can be enjoyed by the whole family, including babies.

What is a Peace Lily?

Peace lilies, also known as Spathiphyllum, are popular houseplants known for their beautiful white flowers and dark green leaves. These plants are native to tropical regions and are often used as decorative plants in homes and offices due to their ability to purify the air. Peace lilies require minimal care, making them ideal for beginner gardeners.

Are Peace Lilies Toxic to Babies?

Yes, peace lilies are toxic to babies and young children. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat when ingested. In severe cases, it can even lead to difficulty breathing.

How Do Babies Get Exposed to Peace Lilies?

Babies are curious by nature, and they tend to put everything in their mouth. This puts them at risk of exposing themselves to peace lily toxins. They can chew on the plant’s leaves or flowers or even ingest some of the soil if they come in contact with the plant. Toddlers who are crawling or learning how to walk can also accidentally touch or grab onto peace lilies.

Symptoms of Peace Lily Toxicity in Babies

The symptoms of peace lily toxicity may vary depending on how much of the plant your baby has ingested. Some common symptoms include:

– Irritation and swelling of the mouth
– Vomiting
– Diarrhea
– Difficulty swallowing or breathing
– Drooling
– Rash or redness on the skin
– Stomachache

If your child exhibits any of these symptoms after coming into contact with a peace lily, seek immediate medical attention.

Preventive Measures for Parents

As parents, it is our responsibility to ensure our babies’ safety by taking preventive measures to keep them away from toxic plants like peace lilies. Here are some tips you can follow:

– Keep peace lilies out of reach: Place your peace lily in a spot that is out of reach of your baby. This could be on top of a high shelf or placed behind furniture.
– Child-proof your home: Install child-proof locks on cabinets or drawers that contain plant pots. This will prevent your baby from reaching for the peace lily.
– Educate older children: If you have older children in the house, make sure they are aware of the dangers of handling peace lilies and other toxic plants.
– Avoid decorative pebbles or moss on top of soil: These can be choking hazards for babies if they ingest them.
– Monitor playtime: Keep a close eye on your baby during playtime to ensure they are not touching or playing with any plant that could be toxic.

What to Do If Your Baby Is Exposed to Peace Lilies?

If you suspect that your baby has ingested or come into contact with a peace lily, here’s what you should do:

– Stay calm: Panicking will only make the situation worse. Take a deep breath and focus on helping your child.
– Remove any plant matter from the mouth: If you see any pieces of leaves, flowers, or soil in your baby’s mouth, remove them immediately.
– Give your child water to drink: This will help dilute any toxins that may still be in their mouth and throat.
– Call poison control helpline: If your child exhibits severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, call for medical assistance immediately.

Safe Alternative Plants for Your Home

If you have small children in the house, it’s best to avoid having potentially toxic plants like peace lilies altogether. Here are some safe and non-toxic alternatives:

– Spider plants
– Bamboo
– Boston ferns
– African violets
– Christmas cacti
– Orchids

The Bottom Line

While peace lilies may be visually appealing, they can pose a threat to the safety of your baby. As a parent, it’s essential to educate yourself on the potential hazards posed by commonly found houseplants and take necessary measures to keep your child safe. If your child does come into contact with a toxic plant, seek medical attention immediately for prompt treatment.

1) Are peace lilies toxic to babies?
Yes, peace lilies can be toxic to babies if ingested.
2) What makes peace lilies toxic to babies?
Peace lilies contain calcium oxalate crystals which can cause irritation and swelling in the mouth and throat if ingested by a baby.
3) How serious is a peace lily poisoning in babies?
A peace lily poisoning in babies can be serious and may result in difficulty breathing, vomiting, or even collapse. It is important to seek medical attention immediately.
4) What should I do if my baby ingests a peace lily?
If your baby has ingested a peace lily, call poison control or seek emergency medical help immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a medical professional.
5) Can the sap of a peace lily harm a baby?
Yes, the sap of a peace lily contains the same toxic calcium oxalate crystals and can harm a baby if they come in contact with it on their skin or eyes.
6) Are there any safe alternatives to keep around babies instead of peace lilies?
Yes, there are several non-toxic plant options that you can keep around your baby, such as spider plants, ferns, or prayer plants. It is always important to research and properly label all plants in your home for safety purposes.

In conclusion, peace lilies have been found to be potentially toxic to babies if ingested in large quantities. These plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and swelling in the mouth, throat, and stomach lining. As such, it is important for parents and caregivers to take proper precautions when having peace lilies in the house. This includes keeping them out of reach of children, regularly dusting off the leaves to prevent accidental ingestion, and seeking immediate medical attention if a child does come into contact with the plant. However, with proper care and caution, peace lilies can still make a beautiful addition to any home. Ultimately, it is important for individuals to educate themselves on the potential dangers of common household plants and take necessary steps to keep their loved ones safe.