Food poisoning in babies

Food poisoning is caused by bacteria present in a liquid or food, and triggers a completely natural reaction from the body as it tries to expel the intruder. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of poisoning but generally manifest in the same way: stomach cramps, diarrhoea, sometimes accompanied by vomiting and/or a fever. These symptoms typically appear between 4 and 24 hours after ingestion of the contaminated food, and more rarely up to 48 hours later.

How should you respond if your baby has food poisoning?

First of all, it's worth knowing that food poisoning causes the same symptoms in a baby as in an adult. It may look more alarming in a baby, but it is not necessarily more serious — however, you will need to be much more vigilant, as babies do not have the same antibodies as us and can become dehydrated very quickly.

If your baby has food poisoning, monitor their symptoms closely and watch for any sign of dehydration — especially if they are refusing to drink: general lethargy, sunken eyelids, more pronounced dark circles under the eyes, dizziness... Should any of these signs appear, you should seek medical attention as quickly as possible.

Don't hesitate to call a doctor or the emergency services if you have any doubt about the symptoms your baby is displaying. They will be able to ask questions to help guide you on the next steps, and if necessary, they will advise you to seek a consultation. Babies are considered to be vulnerable individuals and require particularly close attention, so it's important not to take any risks.

How do you treat a baby with food poisoning?

Treatment will be tailored according to the source of contamination. Try to identify which food — liquid or solid — may have made your baby ill. If other people are also unwell, that can help point you in the right direction.

In the case of mild food poisoning, the human body does its job effectively by expelling the bacteria through stools, vomiting, fever, and so on. There will therefore be very little to do other than offer your baby fluids very regularly to prevent dehydration.

In the case of more severe food poisoning, doctors may prescribe a rehydration solution, or intravenous rehydration, antibiotics, and in some rarer cases, dialysis or a gastric lavage may be necessary.

How can you prevent it?

By taking simple precautions such as:

Washing your hands regularly, especially before handling food.
Cleaning work surfaces, particularly where meals are stored, prepared, and served.
Making sure to maintain the cold chain at all times;
Storing your baby's milk in the fridge once opened;
Not saving and reusing a jar of food your baby hasn't finished — it's better to throw it away.

Now that we know all this, let's do our best to protect our little ones by taking a few simple precautions!

What is the worst type of food poisoning for a baby?

Food poisoning is very dangerous for babies and can lead to serious complications.

One of the worst types of food poisoning for babies is salmonella. Salmonella can be found in many foods, including eggs, chicken, and meat.

Once ingested, it can cause:

vomiting,
diarrhoea,
severe abdominal pain.

Babies who contract salmonella can also develop septicaemia or meningitis, which can lead to permanent brain damage.

Another form of food poisoning is listeria, a bacterium found in dairy products, meats, and seafood. It is one of the worst types of food poisoning for a baby.

Listeria can cause:

a fever,
headaches,
muscle pain,
and kidney failure in babies.

Babies who contract listeria can also develop septicaemia, meningitis, or encephalitis, which can lead to permanent brain damage.