House plants can keep your home looking lovely and green, and keep the air nice and clean. However, some plants can be harmful or poisonous to infants. Here’s what to keep in mind when decorating your home with plants when you’ve got a baby around.
What is Botulism?
Botulism is an illness which can be contracted via bacteria in soil or dust. Infants are particularly sensitive to this kind of bacteria until their immune system gets a bit stronger. For this reason, while your baby is still a newborn and throughout their early months or years, you may consider keeping plant trimmings in water, and leaving soil out of the home.
If you’ve got some plant-babies that you don’t wish to part with, keep them outside or away from any room your baby will spend time in. Always wash your hands thoroughly after touching soil. Vacuuming regularly, particularly windowsills and the thresholds of doors, is a good way to minimise dust and soil around the house.
What plants are safe to have around my baby?
Babies do not discriminate about what goes in their mouths; if they can reach it, they’re likely to chew on it. For this reason, keep any plants up high and out of your little one’s reach.
Some plants are poisonous to babies if eaten. Common dangerous household plants include:
- Castor Oil plant
- Devil’s Ivy
- Angel’s Trumpet
- Rhododendrons
- Cacti
- Wisteria
- Plants with berries can be choking hazards
Check these handy lists of plants that are best not to have around your baby, and some which may be safer:
- Avoid these plants
- Consider these plants
- Consider these plants
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