MarloElaine

Toddler intoxicated via sippy cup

Earlier this month, a toddler was inadvertently served a margarita in a sippy cup at a popular eatery in California. The toddler’s mother gave the server her son’s sippy cup to fill with apple juice at an Applebee’s restaurant. While the two year old did not finish his cocktail, he still consumed enough alcohol to make him drowsy, vomit, and require a visit to the ER. Thankfully, the young child appears to have fully recovered from this accidental intoxication.

It turns out that the apple juice and the margarita mix are stored next to each other in identical containers. The Applebee’s management is very apologetic and is taking steps to prevent this type of mistake from happening again. All associated medical expenses are being paid by the restaurant chain. The family has also been offered free meals, but does not plan to return to that restaurant again.

The Applebee’s franchise owners will pay the “Serving to Minors” fine ($5,000, I believe), but is not being sued by the family at this time. I have not read anything about the status of the Applebee’s manager who poured the ill-fated drink.

Prevention tips

This potentially tragic incident could happen at any place that serves alcohol. To keep your children safe, here are a few tips:

1. BYOM (bring your own milk): If possible, bring your children’s drinks with you. I always pack my son’s whole milk and my daughter’s whole milk/soy formula drink whenever we go out to eat. I do this not only for restaurants, but also when we go to play dates or visit family. I highly recommend this for any children with special diets or food allergies. This also helps me save money while ensuring my children drink enough milk every day.
2. Taste test: If you do order drinks for your children, taste them first before allowing your kids to drink them. This is especially important for toddlers who do not talk well yet. (This also applies for food-I always make sure my kids’ food is not too hot, too spicy, or otherwise not suitable for their sensitive mouths.)
3. Trust no one: Never give the server your child’s sippy cup. Pour all drinks into the cup yourself so you can detect any abnormal smells or colors (alcohol, sour milk, etc.) This is also the only way to ensure that the cup does not get contaminated (dropped on the floor or coughed or sneezed on).

What do you do when you take your kids out to eat? Do you bring their own drinks? Please feel free to share you comments below.