Are bath color tablets safe?
The bottom line
Bath color tablets are products that dissolve in bath water to create various colors. They are available in a variety of shapes including tablets, wafers, or drops, which may look edible to children. They are generally safe if ingested by accident, but could be dangerous in large amounts. They may also cause allergic reactions in some children.
Prevention Tips
Store bath products securely and out-of-reach of children.
Keep bath color tablets in their original containers.
Read the product label carefully and always follow the directions for use.
This Really Happened
A 9-month-old child took a sip of bath water that had a bath color tablet dissolved in it. He had no symptoms and his mother rinsed his mouth with water. A poison center advised his mother to monitor him at home for nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The poison center followed up with his mother the next day and the child was still doing well. He did not have any stomach upset overnight.
What are bath color tablets?
Bath color tablets and colored bathtub fizzies are commercial and homemade products commonly put in bath water to change it to a variety of colors for children. They often add fizz and dissolve in the water. They come in different shapes and sizes, but typically resemble tablets, wafers or drops.
Are Crayola® Bath Dropz toxic when ingested?
Crayola® Bath Dropz are made with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) among other ingredients, which can be toxic depending on how much is ingested. Large amounts can cause stomach pain, drowsiness, and even seizures. Small amounts usually cause only nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. The bath water itself is less harmful if swallowed, since the bath color tablet ingredients are diluted. It’s the sodium content of these bath products that we worry about most.
Can my child have an allergic reaction to bath color tablets?
It is possible to have an allergic reaction to bath color tablets. Many bath color tablet products are labeled as fragrance-free and non-toxic. Some products may contain preservatives, fragrances, and detergents. Children might experience irritation or allergic reactions since their skin is more delicate and sensitive than adult skin. Irritation can also occur in children who have skin conditions like eczema. It may be helpful to rinse the skin after bathing with bath color tablets to remove any residue from the product.
What should I do if my child eats bath color tablets?
If your child eats bath color tablets, rinse their mouth with water and give them small sips of water. Use the webPOISONCONTROL® online tool to get help, or call your poison center at 1-800-222-1222. While many of these ingestions involve small amounts of little concern, experts will determine whether the amount swallowed is worrisome and recommend treatment if needed. Whether online or by phone, expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
