VISTA, Calif. -- A Warner Springs woman was jailed Thursday for allegedly trying twice to poison her 22-month-old child with a caustic chemical last month, a sheriff's official reported.

Detectives arrested Christina Noel Howell, 21, at her home in the 26000 block of Paradise Valley Road Thursday morning, Sgt. Hank Turner said.

Howell's toddler child had to be hospitalized May 25 and May 28 after ingesting a toxic substance that caused severe burns to the youngster's face, mouth and esophagus, Turner said.

Due to the suspicious nature of the child's injuries, sheriff's child- abuse detectives opened an investigation.

The arrest of the mother was "based upon statements of the suspect (and) witnesses and ... medical evidence," Turner said.

Howell was booked into Vista Detention Facility on suspicion of a poisoning charge and two counts each of attempted murder and child abuse.