This common household item poisoned thousands of toddlers—and the risk is still rising
It starts with a moment of quiet.
You walk back into the room and your toddler has something in their mouth—something small, round, and sweet-smelling. It looks like a mint or a gummy. Panic sets in. Was it a candy? A toy? A nicotine pouch?
The next hours are a blur of phone calls, ER visits, and worry.
Related: Benadryl recall: 2,300 bottles pulled from Amazon over child poisoning risk
A troubling trend: nicotine pouch poisonings up 763%
According to a study from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), poisonings from nicotine pouches among children under 6 have skyrocketed 763.1% between 2020 and 2023. Most cases involved toddlers under 2 years old, and more than 98% occurred in the home.
These oral nicotine pouches—marketed as smoke-free and discreet alternatives to cigarettes—often come in fruit or mint flavors and resemble everyday candies or gum. That's part of the danger.
While the majority of reported cases resulted in no or minor symptoms, the risk isn't small: the study documented more serious outcomes with nicotine pouch ingestions than with any other form of nicotine product, including higher rates of hospitalization and medical intervention.
Why these products are especially risky for kids
Nicotine is a highly toxic substance, especially for young children. Even a small amount can cause symptoms like:
Vomiting
Increased heart rate
Confusion or drowsiness
Seizures
In extreme cases, respiratory failure or death
The AAP warns that the appearance, flavor, and packaging of many nicotine products make them especially easy for kids to mistake for food. The risk is heightened by the fact that toddlers explore the world orally and often mimic adult behavior—like reaching for a pouch or lozenge they've seen a parent use.
What to look for—and what to do
If you use nicotine products, here's what to watch for:
Packaging that resembles gum, mints, or candy
Flavored options like mango, wintergreen, or berry
If your child ingests a nicotine pouch or any nicotine product:
Call immediately: 1-800-222-1222
If your child shows severe symptoms (vomiting, drowsiness, seizures), call 911
Do not try to make your child vomit unless advised by medical professionals
Even if your child seems fine, medical evaluation is often recommended due to how quickly nicotine can act in the body.
Related: Poison control center data shows the number of kids and older adults exposed to laundry pods is still high
The regulation gap
The FDA currently regulates nicotine pouches as tobacco products, but child-resistant packaging is not always required, and product designs often remain bright, fragrant, and appealing. In 2025, the FDA authorized marketing of several flavored pouches to adults—but concerns remain about unintentional access by young children.
The study's authors stress that regulation hasn't kept pace with innovation in the nicotine industry. Nicotine pouch concentrations are increasing, and newer 'super pouches' sold internationally can contain up to 130 mg of nicotine—far above the estimated fatal dose for a child.
What parents can do right now
While product reform is essential, here's how families can reduce the risk today:
Store all nicotine products out of reach and sight—ideally in a locked cabinet
Avoid using nicotine products around young children
Talk to caregivers (including babysitters and grandparents) about safe storage
Choose child-resistant packaging when possible
Dispose of used pouches safely—they still contain nicotine
You're not alone in navigating this
Childproofing is overwhelming—and the landscape keeps changing. These products often fly under the radar, especially if no one in your parenting circle is talking about them.
But awareness saves lives.
If you're unsure about a product in your home or have questions about poisoning risk, Poison Control is available 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222.
Sources:
Nicotine Pouch Exposures Among Children <6 Years — 2019–2023. March 2024. Pediatrics. Nicotine Pouch Exposures Among Children <6 Years — 2019–2023.
What to Do in a Poisoning Emergency. Accessed July 2025. U.S. Poison Control. What to Do in a Poisoning Emergency.
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