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AIBU?

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Original poster

Seriously panicking.

81 replies

needingadvice12 · 09/05/2025 19:47

Stupidly went for a shower earlier with 5 y/o DS watching tv
Were in a flat so I can see him, he is ND.

Came out of the bathroom to find he’s been in my work bag, opened my paracetamol capsules and all the powder is on the floor. I didn’t even realise my work bag was on the floor.

I don’t think he’ll have eaten any of it, he said no but I am still so panicked. There was a lot of the powder.

Anyone advise?

OP posts:
Ponderingwindow · 09/05/2025 20:13

Social services will not be upset with you for making a common mistake and following up with appropriate medical care. Take him to a&e.

for the future, I needed to carry meds when dd was little and having them in childproof containers wasn’t practical, so I found a bag that worked nicely. It was sort of like a small makeup bag, but had a zipper that could take a lock. I used a combination lock. Think the kind of bag they used to use to cash out registers and take money to the bank, but smaller. Maybe they still use them, I haven’t worked retail in ages

Original poster
needingadvice12 · 09/05/2025 20:09

I tend to get abit neurotic with my son’s health. He is my whole world! Although the rational part of my brain is saying he’s fine, he wouldn’t have eaten any, the anxious bit is arguing. But remaining calm and will be taking him to get checked once our taxi arrives :)

OP posts:
Dreichweather · 09/05/2025 20:07

needingadvice12 · 09/05/2025 19:58

I’m petrified I’ll end up with bloody social services.

Being very blunt, better with SS than a dead child or child with liver failure and police involvement.

Shmee1988 · 09/05/2025 20:07

needingadvice12 · 09/05/2025 19:51

He wouldn’t have eaten the maximum dosage in the powder. He won’t even take calpol. He’s just dumped it on the floor

If you're saying he won't have eaten it, what exactly is it you're worried about?

themagicmonkey · 09/05/2025 20:06

Sorry if this sounds patronising. But take 30 seconds and some deep breaths, then take the kid to A&E/minor injuries to be on the safe side (don't drive in a state). Social services are swamped with work - they're not going to take away your kid because they got hold of some paracetamol, and you've gone straight in to get them checked out.

LonelyLeveret · 09/05/2025 20:05

needingadvice12 · 09/05/2025 19:58

I’m petrified I’ll end up with bloody social services.

I work in A+E. I would literally only be interested in measuring the paracetamol levels to make sure your kid is safe. Nobody is looking to involve social services or get you into trouble. This sort of thing happens, you don't have eyes in the back of your head.

IAmTheLogLady · 09/05/2025 20:04

Call 111.
They will advise you.
When my dts were around 16 months one of them managed to get a bottle of calpol. DP popped the calpol on top of the cupboard so he could give dt1 a dose and dt2 managed to grab it off tge side. He had obviously grown we didn't realise he could reach and it happened so fast. Tge next second he was crying with a face full of calpol. DP was ready to take him to A&E but we called 111 and they gave us advice. They reassured us that he would be fine.
Social services didn't get involved.
Everything and everyone was fine.

Original poster
needingadvice12 · 09/05/2025 20:04

I’m absolutely certain he’s not had any. He won’t take medicine nevermind the powder. And when I did smuggle antibiotics into his food he wouldn’t go near it. I just feel absolutely stupid

OP posts:
GeorgianaM · 09/05/2025 20:03

I’d phone before going to A&E on a Friday evening.

TheOtherRaven · 09/05/2025 20:03

needingadvice12 · 09/05/2025 19:58

I’m petrified I’ll end up with bloody social services.

Absolute worst case if you do they'll have a quick chat, sympathise, possibly ask your GP/health visitor if all ok, and wish you luck as they wave you goodbye. They're not looking for work, just to screen out children in actual need. You've whisked him to A&E as soon as you found out which is exactly what a responsible parent would do, and this can happen so easily.

So sorry you're having such a horrible evening!

Edited to add: cross post with ArtDeco who would know best in their role

Original poster
needingadvice12 · 09/05/2025 20:03

It’s all been hoovered thankfully
I just worry so much. I’ll order us a taxi now.

OP posts:
artdecomirror · 09/05/2025 20:02

i work in a senior child protection role. my daughter got into a bottle of liquid ibuprofen despite the child proof cap and glugged a decent amount. i got a 'home safety' advice phone call from the health visitor and that was it.
not seeking medical advice especially given the uncertainty of what was ingested due to his ND would be viewed dimly should he become unwell over the next few days (which is the big worry with paracetamol). however, it's unlikely he has had anything more than the therapeutic dose due to how bitter it tastes. he probably just thought it was a fun game of open and empty. if you have pets make sure you thoroughly hoover the area to prevent them having a taste.
happens to the best of us so try not to panic

Balloonhearts · 09/05/2025 20:00

needingadvice12 · 09/05/2025 19:58

I’m petrified I’ll end up with bloody social services.

They'll take one look and write it off, kids gey into everything, you can't have eyes on them 24/7. They'll see it was just a mistake.

Original poster
needingadvice12 · 09/05/2025 19:58

I’m petrified I’ll end up with bloody social services.

OP posts:
mumofoneAlonebutokay · 09/05/2025 19:58

I think you're fine tbh, but I'm not a doctor 😅

Maybe call 111 first?

You won't get into trouble though, as you've been upfront and told them what's happened x

Balloonhearts · 09/05/2025 19:58

Take him. I'm 99.999999% sure that he wouldn't have eaten any because it tastes absolutely vile but paracetamol poisoning is serious so wouldn't take the chance.

Original poster
needingadvice12 · 09/05/2025 19:57

They usually are put away. I feel so fucking stupid. The only reason they were in my bag was because I’ve had a headache all day.

OP posts:
AstonUniversityPotholeDepartment · 09/05/2025 19:56

You won't get in trouble. People coming in with children who have tampered with tablets happens every day in A+Es. It's a routine check.

Psychologymam · 09/05/2025 19:56

CallItHome · 09/05/2025 19:52

Take him to A and E. Liver damage can be delayed and he could have no symptoms until it’s too late. He needs bloods and a paracetamol level done. If you take him now, there will be no harm done. Better safe than sorry. You will be stressed all night anyway so it’s better to go now. Good luck x

absolutely - paracetamol is one of the more dangerous things to overdose on and the dose is low for children. Take him in, not worth the risk. And as I’m sure you will in future - all medications in locked cabinet up high.

Anotherolivia · 09/05/2025 19:56

It’s extremely bitter so I very much doubt he’s had any. But medical folk are saying get him checked so listen to them.

You won’t get in to trouble.

Original poster
needingadvice12 · 09/05/2025 19:54

Thank you. I’ll go now.
I feel so stupid. I’m not going to get into trouble am I. It’s never ever happened before.

OP posts:
clinellwipe · 09/05/2025 19:53

A&E I’m afraid. Asked my medical husband who has a very high threshold for taking our kids into hospital and he said unfortunately you really should. I know A&E is last place you want to be with a ND child but they should see you relatively quickly and get you a cubicle quick.

YesThatsATurdOnTheRug · 09/05/2025 19:52

Go to A&E. Not worth the risk.

CallItHome · 09/05/2025 19:52

Take him to A and E. Liver damage can be delayed and he could have no symptoms until it’s too late. He needs bloods and a paracetamol level done. If you take him now, there will be no harm done. Better safe than sorry. You will be stressed all night anyway so it’s better to go now. Good luck x

Original poster
needingadvice12 · 09/05/2025 19:51

He wouldn’t have eaten the maximum dosage in the powder. He won’t even take calpol. He’s just dumped it on the floor

OP posts: