Physical Development

Baby Put Something Up Their Nose

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician

Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, NIH guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about baby put something up their nose, here is what you need to know.

The short answer

Toddlers frequently put small objects up their noses - beads, food, peas, small toy parts, tissue, and more. Sometimes you see it happen, but other times the first clue is a foul-smelling, one-sided nasal discharge days later. If you can see the object and your child is calm, you can try the "mother's kiss" technique (closing the clear nostril and gently puffing into your child's mouth). If you cannot see it or your first attempt fails, do not keep trying - see your pediatrician or visit urgent care.

Key takeaways

  • Toddlers frequently put small objects up their noses - beads, food, peas, small toy parts, tissue, and more. Sometimes you see it happen, but other times the first clue is a foul-smelling, one-sided nasal discharge days later. If you can see the object and your child is calm, you can try the "mother's kiss" technique (closing the clear nostril and gently puffing into your child's mouth). If you cannot see it or your first attempt fails, do not keep trying - see your pediatrician or visit urgent care.
  • Usually normal when: You saw the object go in, the child is breathing fine, and you can see it near the nostril opening
  • Call your doctor if: Your child put a button battery in their nose (this is an emergency - batteries cause chemical burns within hours)
“Supervised tummy time is recommended daily from the time the baby comes home from the hospital to help prevent flat head syndrome and to strengthen neck and shoulder muscles.”
— Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

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What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, NIH guidelines, toddlers frequently put small objects up their noses - beads, food, peas, small toy parts, tissue, and more. Sometimes you see it happen, but other times the first clue is a foul-smelling, one-sided nasal discharge days later. If you can see the object and your child is calm, you can try the "mother's kiss" technique (closing the clear nostril and gently puffing into your child's mouth). If you cannot see it or your first attempt fails, do not keep trying - see your pediatrician or visit urgent care. At 0-12 months, babies under 1 year rarely place objects in their own noses because they lack the fine motor control. If a young baby has one-sided nasal discharge, it is more likely from a cold or blocked duct. However, an older sibling could place something in a baby's nose, so consider this if you notice unexplained one-sided symptoms. It is generally considered normal when you saw the object go in, the child is breathing fine, and you can see it near the nostril opening. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child put a button battery in their nose (this is an emergency - batteries cause chemical burns within hours).

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
You saw the object go in, the child is breathing fine, and you can see it near the nostril opening
Your child put a button battery in their nose (this is an emergency - batteries cause chemical burns within hours)
The object came out easily with one attempt of the mother's kiss technique
Your child is having difficulty breathing through the affected side
A small amount of blood-tinged mucus after the object is removed
The object has been in the nose for more than 24 hours and there is worsening swelling or discharge

By Age

What to expect by age

0-12 months

Babies under 1 year rarely place objects in their own noses because they lack the fine motor control. If a young baby has one-sided nasal discharge, it is more likely from a cold or blocked duct. However, an older sibling could place something in a baby's nose, so consider this if you notice unexplained one-sided symptoms.

1-3 years

This is the peak age for nasal foreign bodies. Toddlers are curious explorers who test where objects fit. Common items include beads, small food pieces (peas, beans, raisins), foam, tissue paper, small toy parts, and button batteries. The "mother's kiss" technique works best for smooth, round objects near the front of the nose: close the unaffected nostril with your finger, place your mouth over your child's mouth creating a seal, and give a short, sharp puff. This often pops the object out. Never use tweezers or forceps, as you may push it further in.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed baby put something up their nose and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if you suspect a foreign object but cannot see it.
  • Mention if your toddler has persistent, foul-smelling discharge from one nostril only.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • You saw the object go in, the child is breathing fine, and you can see it near the nostril opening
  • The object came out easily with one attempt of the mother's kiss technique
  • A small amount of blood-tinged mucus after the object is removed
Mention at your next visit when...
  • You suspect a foreign object but cannot see it
  • Your toddler has persistent, foul-smelling discharge from one nostril only
  • The object did not come out with a gentle attempt at home
  • Your child has had recurrent episodes of putting things in their nose
Act now when...
  • Your child put a button battery in their nose (this is an emergency - batteries cause chemical burns within hours)
  • Your child is having difficulty breathing through the affected side
  • The object has been in the nose for more than 24 hours and there is worsening swelling or discharge
  • You pushed the object further in while trying to remove it
  • Your child put a magnet in their nose

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice baby put something up their nose — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that you saw the object go in, the child is breathing fine, and you can see it near the nostril opening — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-12 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Provide plenty of supervised floor time and tummy time to support your baby's physical development.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your child put a button battery in their nose (this is an emergency - batteries cause chemical burns within hours).

Baby or Toddler Nosebleed

Nosebleeds are very common in toddlers and young children, especially during dry winter months. Most nosebleeds come from the front of the nose (anterior nosebleeds) where tiny blood vessels are close to the surface and easily irritated by dry air, nose picking, colds, or allergies. While they can look alarming due to the amount of blood, nearly all nosebleeds in children are harmless and stop within 10-15 minutes with proper first aid.

Baby Always Congested (Stuffy Nose)

Babies are naturally noisy breathers because their nasal passages are very small. Many parents worry their baby is "always congested" when the sounds they hear are actually normal newborn breathing. True chronic congestion can be caused by frequent colds, dry air, or irritants. Saline drops and gentle suctioning are the safest and most effective treatments for infant congestion.

Baby Put Something in Their Ear

Toddlers sometimes insert small objects into their ear canals - beads, small food, crayon tips, small toy parts, and occasionally insects fly or crawl in. Unlike nasal foreign bodies, ear foreign bodies should almost always be removed by a medical professional because the ear canal is narrow and the eardrum can be easily damaged. Do not try to remove objects with tweezers, cotton swabs, or your fingers, as you are likely to push them deeper.

Toddler Has Bad Breath

Bad breath (halitosis) in toddlers is common and usually has a simple cause. The most frequent culprits are mouth breathing during sleep (which dries out the mouth), sinus congestion, a foreign object stuck in the nose, poor tooth brushing, or a mild throat infection. Bad breath is rarely caused by stomach problems in children. Most cases resolve by addressing the underlying cause, such as treating congestion, brushing teeth more thoroughly, or having a foreign object removed from the nose.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is baby put something up their nose normal?
Toddlers frequently put small objects up their noses - beads, food, peas, small toy parts, tissue, and more. Sometimes you see it happen, but other times the first clue is a foul-smelling, one-sided nasal discharge days later. If you can see the object and your child is calm, you can try the "mother's kiss" technique (closing the clear nostril and gently puffing into your child's mouth). If you cannot see it or your first attempt fails, do not keep trying - see your pediatrician or visit urgent care.
When should I call the doctor about baby put something up their nose?
Your child put a button battery in their nose (this is an emergency - batteries cause chemical burns within hours) Your child is having difficulty breathing through the affected side The object has been in the nose for more than 24 hours and there is worsening swelling or discharge
When is baby put something up their nose normal?
You saw the object go in, the child is breathing fine, and you can see it near the nostril opening The object came out easily with one attempt of the mother's kiss technique A small amount of blood-tinged mucus after the object is removed
What causes baby put something up their nose?
Toddlers frequently put small objects up their noses - beads, food, peas, small toy parts, tissue, and more. Sometimes you see it happen, but other times the first clue is a foul-smelling, one-sided nasal discharge days later. If you can see the object and your child is calm, you can try the "mother's kiss" technique (closing the clear nostril and gently puffing into your child's mouth). If you cannot see it or your first attempt fails, do not keep trying - see your pediatrician or visit urgent care. Common explanations include: You saw the object go in, the child is breathing fine, and you can see it near the nostril opening. The object came out easily with one attempt of the mother's kiss technique.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby put something up their nose?
You should mention baby put something up their nose at your next visit if: You suspect a foreign object but cannot see it. Your toddler has persistent, foul-smelling discharge from one nostril only. The object did not come out with a gentle attempt at home.
Is baby put something up their nose normal at 0-12 months?
Babies under 1 year rarely place objects in their own noses because they lack the fine motor control. If a young baby has one-sided nasal discharge, it is more likely from a cold or blocked duct. However, an older sibling could place something in a baby's nose, so consider this if you notice unexplained one-sided symptoms.
Is baby put something up their nose normal at 1-3 years?
This is the peak age for nasal foreign bodies. Toddlers are curious explorers who test where objects fit. Common items include beads, small food pieces (peas, beans, raisins), foam, tissue paper, small toy parts, and button batteries. The "mother's kiss" technique works best for smooth, round objects near the front of the nose: close the unaffected nostril with your finger, place your mouth over your child's mouth creating a seal, and give a short, sharp puff. This often pops the object out. Never use tweezers or forceps, as you may push it further in.
Should I go to the ER for baby put something up their nose?
Seek emergency care if your child put a button battery in their nose (this is an emergency - batteries cause chemical burns within hours), or if your child is having difficulty breathing through the affected side. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does baby put something up their nose go away on its own?
In many cases, baby put something up their nose resolves on its own, especially when you saw the object go in, the child is breathing fine, and you can see it near the nostril opening.
AAPAAPNIH

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Foreign Bodies in the Nose. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]American Academy of Pediatrics. Choking Prevention and First Aid. AAP
  3. [3]National Library of Medicine. Nasal Foreign Body. StatPearls. NIH

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Put Something Up Their Nose.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed baby put something up their nose and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if you suspect a foreign object but cannot see it.
  • Mention if your toddler has persistent, foul-smelling discharge from one nostril only.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • You suspect a foreign object but cannot see it
  • Your toddler has persistent, foul-smelling discharge from one nostril only
  • The object did not come out with a gentle attempt at home

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Your child put a button battery in their nose (this is an emergency - batteries cause chemical burns within hours)
  • Your child is having difficulty breathing through the affected side
  • The object has been in the nose for more than 24 hours and there is worsening swelling or discharge

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

Related Resources

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Bottom line

Most cases of baby put something up their nose are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child put a button battery in their nose (this is an emergency - batteries cause chemical burns within hours).

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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Related Physical Concerns

Baby or Toddler Nosebleed

Nosebleeds are very common in toddlers and young children, especially during dry winter months. Most nosebleeds come from the front of the nose (anterior nosebleeds) where tiny blood vessels are close to the surface and easily irritated by dry air, nose picking, colds, or allergies. While they can look alarming due to the amount of blood, nearly all nosebleeds in children are harmless and stop within 10-15 minutes with proper first aid.

Baby Always Congested (Stuffy Nose)

Babies are naturally noisy breathers because their nasal passages are very small. Many parents worry their baby is "always congested" when the sounds they hear are actually normal newborn breathing. True chronic congestion can be caused by frequent colds, dry air, or irritants. Saline drops and gentle suctioning are the safest and most effective treatments for infant congestion.

Baby Put Something in Their Ear

Toddlers sometimes insert small objects into their ear canals - beads, small food, crayon tips, small toy parts, and occasionally insects fly or crawl in. Unlike nasal foreign bodies, ear foreign bodies should almost always be removed by a medical professional because the ear canal is narrow and the eardrum can be easily damaged. Do not try to remove objects with tweezers, cotton swabs, or your fingers, as you are likely to push them deeper.

Toddler Has Bad Breath

Bad breath (halitosis) in toddlers is common and usually has a simple cause. The most frequent culprits are mouth breathing during sleep (which dries out the mouth), sinus congestion, a foreign object stuck in the nose, poor tooth brushing, or a mild throat infection. Bad breath is rarely caused by stomach problems in children. Most cases resolve by addressing the underlying cause, such as treating congestion, brushing teeth more thoroughly, or having a foreign object removed from the nose.

Should I Use Adjusted Age for My Preemie's Milestones?

Yes — for premature babies, developmental milestones should be assessed using adjusted (corrected) age, not chronological age, until at least 2 years of age. Adjusted age is calculated by subtracting the number of weeks your baby was born early from their actual age. For example, a 6-month-old born 2 months early would have an adjusted age of 4 months, and should be assessed against 4-month milestones. Most pediatricians use adjusted age for developmental assessment through age 2-3, and for growth charts through age 2.

Baby-Proofing a Small Apartment

Baby-proofing a small apartment is absolutely possible and focuses on the same key safety principles as any home: securing furniture to walls, covering outlets, locking cabinets with hazardous materials, and ensuring safe sleep spaces. Small spaces actually have an advantage - there is less area to monitor. Focus on eliminating the most dangerous hazards first: falls, poisoning, choking, and burns.