A 4-Month-Old Baby Falls Into Alcohol-Induced Coma: Grandmother Put White Wine in the Bottle Instead of Water

A shocking incident

In a disturbing case that has shocked many, a four-month-old baby was rushed to hospital after falling into an alcohol-induced coma. The reason? The child’s grandmother had mistakenly—or carelessly—filled the baby’s bottle with white wine instead of water.

The baby was immediately taken to intensive care, where doctors worked to stabilize the infant’s fragile condition. Fortunately, medical staff were able to intervene quickly, but the case highlights the severe dangers of alcohol exposure in infants.

How could this happen?

According to local reports, the grandmother was preparing the baby’s evening bottle. Instead of using water, she reached for a nearby bottle of white wine. Some family members suggest it was an accident, while others suspect she believed the alcohol might “help the baby sleep.”

Regardless of the intention, the consequences were life-threatening. Infants’ bodies cannot metabolize alcohol, and even a small quantity can lead to severe intoxication, coma, or death.

“For a four-month-old, even a teaspoon of alcohol can be extremely dangerous. Their organs are not developed enough to process it,” explained a pediatric toxicologist.

What doctors warn about alcohol and babies

Medical experts stress that alcohol is toxic at any dose for infants. Unlike adults, babies do not have the enzymes needed to process ethanol safely. This means that even trace amounts can lead to:

• Vomiting and dehydration
• Respiratory depression
• Seizures
• Coma and possible brain damage

The four-month-old’s survival was only possible because of rapid emergency treatment, including gastric lavage and intravenous therapy.

Alcohol poisoning in infants: a rare but real risk

Cases of infant alcohol poisoning are rare but not unheard of. They often occur due to careless mistakes or misinformed beliefs that alcohol has medicinal or calming effects. In reality, medical associations worldwide warn that no amount of alcohol is safe for babies or children.

Comparative data from pediatric health studies:

This table underscores a crucial point: what may be socially tolerated for adults is absolutely toxic for infants and children.

The grandmother’s responsibility

The grandmother is now under scrutiny, and authorities are investigating whether the act was deliberate negligence or a genuine mistake. Family members have described the event as a trauma that could have ended in tragedy.

Social services were also contacted to ensure the child’s long-term safety and to evaluate the family environment.

Lessons for parents and caregivers

While this case is extreme, pediatricians emphasize that it serves as a vital reminder for all parents and caregivers:

• Never leave alcohol within reach of children or near baby supplies.
• Label and store liquids properly to avoid confusion.
• Educate family members about the absolute dangers of giving alcohol to children.
• Seek immediate medical help if ingestion occurs, no matter how small the dose.

These precautions are not optional—they are essential to safeguard children from potentially fatal accidents.

A narrowly avoided tragedy

Thanks to swift medical intervention, the baby in this case survived. But the incident underscores how one moment of negligence can put a child’s life at risk.

For parents and grandparents, the lesson is clear: alcohol and babies do not mix—ever. A single mistake can have devastating consequences.