A mother’s alarming experience with a popular teething gel has gone viral, emphasizing the importance of adhering to dosage guidelines. Update: The manufacturer has since eliminated benzocaine from their teething products for children, ensuring they are free from artificial colors, menthol, sugar, parabens, belladonna, sodium lauryl sulfate, gluten, and dairy.
A Cautionary Tale
In a cautionary tale, Mia Thompson, a mother from California, recounted a harrowing episode involving her 15-month-old daughter, Lily. On a fateful day in February, Mia applied a small amount of nighttime teething gel to Lily’s gums, as suggested by an online retailer. Almost instantly, her daughter exhibited severe distress, turning red and becoming unresponsive. “Within 10 to 15 seconds of applying the gel, Lily was limp, her eyes unfocused, and her skin began to take on a bluish hue,” Mia shared on her social media.
In a panic, she rushed to administer back blows and began CPR as her husband dialed emergency services. Fortunately, after a tense 20 seconds, Lily regained consciousness, screaming and crying. The paramedics assured Mia that she was okay, but the terrifying experience left her shaken.
Misleading Advertising
Mia now aims to warn other parents about the potential dangers associated with this medication, criticizing its misleading advertising. “The packaging states it’s intended for children aged two and older, yet it features a baby on the front and is displayed in the baby aisle,” she pointed out. “This is incredibly misleading. The product should either be clearly labeled with warnings or removed from shelves altogether.”
Adding to the confusion, some retailers recommend this product for infants as young as four months. While Mia acknowledges that she has sometimes given her children medication outside of recommended age limits, she never anticipated that a teething gel could lead to such a severe reaction.
Shared Experiences
Since sharing her story, Mia has received numerous messages from parents recounting similar experiences with the same product. “Many parents were unaware of the risks involved and had purchased it for their babies,” she noted. It’s worth mentioning that most teething occurs before age two, with WebMD indicating that teething can start anytime between three and twelve months.
“Unfortunately, I wasn’t aware of this beforehand, but many other parents have shared identical experiences with Baby Orajel. I discovered online discussions dating back to 2008 that echo my own ordeal,” Mia explained. “Moreover, the FDA has issued warnings against administering benzocaine to infants, the active ingredient in Baby Orajel.”
Spreading Awareness
Mia, who typically refrains from sharing personal family details online, felt compelled to spread awareness about these risks. “It’s crucial for parents to understand the dangers associated with using Baby Orajel Nighttime on children under two,” she concluded.
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Summary
A California mother, Mia Thompson, shared a terrifying incident involving her daughter and a popular teething gel, which was applied contrary to dosage guidelines. After a severe reaction, she is now warning others about the potential risks and misleading marketing surrounding the product. The gel’s packaging claims it is suitable for children aged two and older, yet it is often found in baby aisles, leading to confusion among parents. Mia emphasizes the importance of awareness regarding the risks of using such products on infants.