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Not sure what to do? Have an urgent question?

If your child is having symptoms or you don't know the exact substance or amount swallowed, call the Poison Center Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. This call is free and confidential.

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My Child Ate Vaseline

Q: My child ate Vaseline. Is Vaseline toxic?

Vaseline is minimally toxic. If your child ate Vaseline, give them a few sips of water and watch for coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Vaseline is minimally toxic .

If your child ate Vaseline, give them a few sips of water and watch for coughing, vomiting and diarrhea.

What to know: Vaseline

Vaseline is also known as petroleum jelly or petrolatum.

Toxicity Level

What are toxicity levels?

My child ate Vaseline. Is Vaseline toxic?

Vaseline is a mixture of natural waxes and mineral oils and is considered minimally toxic when ingested.

Symptoms of Poisoning

If your child ate Vaseline, give them a few sips of water and watch for soft or loose stools.

If your child begins coughing, vomiting or experiencing diarrhea, call IPC at 1-800-222-1222. This call is free and confidential.

Eye Exposure

Vaseline may cause irritation if exposed to eyes.
If your child got Vaseline in their eyes, rinse by pouring clean, lukewarm water across the affected eye(s) for 15 minutes.

For more instructions, please see our page on eye exposure information.