Please Help! I think my baby was given too much bourbon to "help with teething".

[Adaline'sMama]

My DD is 8 months old, 16 lbs. She has been teething (and screaming) for two days. i took her to my job (where I personal chef for my neighboors) and the 89 year old lady was holding her. She was only about 8 feet away, but after about 10 minutes I found out that my baby had been sucking on a "sugar tit". This is apparently a sugar cube that is wrapped in a piece of cloth and then dipped in bourbon. My baby sucked two sugar cubes dry....without my knowledge. Obviously, there are a lot of problems with this issue, that I will address later, but right now, I would like to know if you all think she has had too much bourbon. She is acting pretty appropriatly, but it is bedtime and she is not sitting up as well, pretty fussy, and not grabbing things as well. My DH thinks she has had too much alcohol. Should we call the Dr?

[Sfcmama]

I'm writing this with trust that you will address the other issues...
I'd try an anonymous call to poison control first. I wouldn't want to risk the ped to turning this into a safety issue. But, of course, would call ped if recommended by poison control!

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Poison control definitely they will not turn you in for it though they will ask for your information.

[Adaline'sMama]

will do.

Bump.

[MusicianDad]

Keep an eye out for vomiting, noisy and slow breathing, sweating and a red colouring, as well as blue or pale skin, low temperature, seizure and loss of consciousness. Most likely it wasn't enough to cause problems, but if you are worried or start noticing the above, then forget the phone and just head to the hospital. Alcohol poisoning is serious.

I would stay close by while she sleeps since she may not wake up if she vomits.

I would also avoid letting the older woman hold her again.

[Adaline'sMama]

At this point, she has nursed a ton and had fallen asleep. It has been 2.5 hours since she had the "sugar tit".

[Adaline'sMama]

Poison control  gives the same symptons as Musician Dad (thanks!) and says that to make sure she has had pleanty of "formula" (she has been nursed to sleep). She is snorning, which is normal, and I think she is alright.  I will keep checking her and post the whole story later. Thanks everyone!! 

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

I am glad she is doing well and hope she continues to do so

[Sfcmama]

Good job, mama!

[P.J.]

Sounds like she's fine. Of course, you were a good mama and right to make sure she hadn't had too much.

Having said that, keep in mind that this was the common way to help teething/fussy/sleepless babies up until, IDK, maybe 50 years ago, and most babies were just fine as far as I know. Not to excuse your employer, that was really inappropriate of her to do that without your consent. And there's certainly a reason we don't give babies alcohol anymore. I'm just saying it seems unlikely to me that a baby would sustain any serious harm from it happening once.

[Adaline'sMama]

Thanks everyone. DD is fine. She slept fine, and woke up at her usual times in the night to nurse. I talked to my employer about it today and explained to her that I knew she was just trying to help, but from now on, please ask me before giving her anything besides the food off the fruit tray. (They had a fruit tray with fresh and dried fruit every meal) She already knows not to give her nuts, honey, or grapes. (which are all usually on the table). She was totally receptive and apologized. The baby is never left alone with, I just zoned out while cooking and didnt notice what was happening. Im going to allow the woman to hold DD because its one of the only joys she has, and it keeps the baby from crying and allows me to get the job done faster so I can go back home. But, I will be paying close attention from now on. Thanks again everyone!