Parent’s Guide: Swallowed Foreign Object

Identifying the Object (The Danger Check)

Your response depends entirely on what was swallowed and how big it is.

Button Batteries: Found in remotes, toys, and greeting cards. These are extremely dangerous. If stuck in the esophagus (tube to the stomach), they can burn a hole through the tissue in less than 2 hours.
Magnets: If a child swallows more than one magnet, they can attract each other through the bowel walls, causing holes or blockages.
Sharp Objects: Needles, pins, glass, tacks, or open safety pins.
Large Objects: Anything 1 inch or larger (e.g., a Quarter). These are likely to get stuck in the throat or esophagus.
ANY household chemicals or medicines: CALL poison control (800) 222-1222 and Go to ER.

🟢 The Usually Harmless List (call your Doctor Now):

Small Coins: Pennies, Dimes, and Nickels usually pass easily. Quarters are risky.
Small Blunt Objects: Buttons, beads, plastic toy parts, game pieces.

If the object is on the “Harmless List” and the child is breathing normally, you can monitor them at home AND call your doctor.

To ensure the object isn’t stuck in the esophagus:

Give the child some water.
If they swallow it easily without pain/vomiting, give them a piece of bread.
Result: If they swallow the bread and water well, the object is likely in the stomach. They can return to a normal diet.

For small, smooth objects (< ½ inch), you don’t necessarily need to check.
For larger or rough objects, you can check the stool for peace of mind. Slice the stool with a knife to find the object. It usually passes in 2 to 3 days.

If you suspect a button battery ingestion and are on your way to the ER:

Give Honey: If the child is over 1 year old, give 2 teaspoons (10 mL) of honey every 10 minutes.
Why: Honey coats the battery and slows down the chemical burn.
Warning: Do not let this delay your trip to the hospital.

Trouble Breathing: Stridor (harsh noise when breathing in) or Wheezing (whistling when breathing out).
Child is turning blue or losing consciousness.

High Risk Object: Swallowed a battery, magnet, or sharp object.
Size: Object is 1 inch or larger (like a Quarter or unknown object swallowed.
Age: Child is less than 2 years old.
Symptoms of Blockage: Drooling, gagging, vomiting, or refusing to eat/drink.
Pain: Throat or chest pain.
Household Chemicals: Call Poison Control (800) 222-1222 and Go to ER

Floor Sweeps: regularly check carpets and floors for dropped coins, pins, or battery covers.
Tech Check: Secure battery compartments on remotes and key fobs with tape if they are loose.
Magnet Safety: Keep high-powered magnet sets (like desk toys) completely out of reach of children.