Digestive

Baby Swallowed a Foreign Object

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

Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, NIH guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

Digestive issues are common in infants and toddlers. If your baby is experiencing baby swallowed a foreign object, here is what you need to know.

The short answer

Babies and toddlers explore the world by putting things in their mouths, and accidental swallowing of small objects is common. Most small, smooth, non-toxic objects (like a small bead or coin) will pass through the digestive system without harm within 2-5 days. However, some swallowed objects are medical emergencies. Button batteries, magnets (especially multiple magnets), and sharp objects require immediate emergency care as they can cause serious internal injury within hours. If you know or suspect your child swallowed something, contact your pediatrician or go to the emergency room.

Key takeaways

  • Babies and toddlers explore the world by putting things in their mouths, and accidental swallowing of small objects is common. Most small, smooth, non-toxic objects (like a small bead or coin) will pass through the digestive system without harm within 2-5 days. However, some swallowed objects are medical emergencies. Button batteries, magnets (especially multiple magnets), and sharp objects require immediate emergency care as they can cause serious internal injury within hours. If you know or suspect your child swallowed something, contact your pediatrician or go to the emergency room.
  • Usually normal when: Your child swallowed a small, smooth, non-toxic object (like a small bead) and is breathing and eating normally - still contact your pediatrician for guidance
  • Call your doctor if: Your child swallowed a button battery - this is a medical emergency requiring immediate ER evaluation
“The biggest concern with vomiting is dehydration. Young children can become dehydrated quickly, so it's important to replace fluids. Offer small amounts of an oral rehydration solution frequently.”
— Vomiting in Children, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

This is one of the most common questions parents ask. Searching for answers means you care.

What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, NIH guidelines, babies and toddlers explore the world by putting things in their mouths, and accidental swallowing of small objects is common. Most small, smooth, non-toxic objects (like a small bead or coin) will pass through the digestive system without harm within 2-5 days. However, some swallowed objects are medical emergencies. Button batteries, magnets (especially multiple magnets), and sharp objects require immediate emergency care as they can cause serious internal injury within hours. If you know or suspect your child swallowed something, contact your pediatrician or go to the emergency room. At 0-12 months, babies under 1 year are at risk for swallowing small objects once they can grasp and bring things to their mouth (around 4-6 months). Common ingested items include buttons, beads, and small toy parts. Signs that a baby has swallowed something include gagging, drooling, refusing to eat, or pointing to the throat or chest. If you suspect your baby has swallowed something and they are breathing normally, call your pediatrician or poison control (1-800-222-1222) immediately. If choking, follow infant choking first aid. It is generally considered normal when your child swallowed a small, smooth, non-toxic object (like a small bead) and is breathing and eating normally - still contact your pediatrician for guidance. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child swallowed a button battery - this is a medical emergency requiring immediate ER evaluation.

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

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Your child swallowed a small, smooth, non-toxic object (like a small bead) and is breathing and eating normally - still contact your pediatrician for guidance
Your child swallowed a button battery - this is a medical emergency requiring immediate ER evaluation
The object passes in the stool within a few days
Your child swallowed a magnet, especially if more than one magnet or a magnet plus metal object

By Age

What to expect by age

0-12 months

Babies under 1 year are at risk for swallowing small objects once they can grasp and bring things to their mouth (around 4-6 months). Common ingested items include buttons, beads, and small toy parts. Signs that a baby has swallowed something include gagging, drooling, refusing to eat, or pointing to the throat or chest. If you suspect your baby has swallowed something and they are breathing normally, call your pediatrician or poison control (1-800-222-1222) immediately. If choking, follow infant choking first aid.

1-3 years

Toddlers are the highest-risk age group for foreign body ingestion. Coins are the most commonly swallowed objects. Most smooth, small objects will pass through without treatment, but an X-ray may be needed to confirm the object's location and track its passage. Do NOT induce vomiting. Watch for signs of obstruction: vomiting, abdominal pain, refusing to eat, drooling, or failure to pass the object within 4-7 days. Always save the object after it passes so your doctor can confirm it has been fully expelled.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed baby swallowed a foreign object and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your child swallowed any foreign object - always inform your pediatrician.
  • Mention if a swallowed coin or small smooth object has not passed in 4-7 days.
  • 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...
  • Your child swallowed a small, smooth, non-toxic object (like a small bead) and is breathing and eating normally - still contact your pediatrician for guidance
  • The object passes in the stool within a few days
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Your child swallowed any foreign object - always inform your pediatrician
  • A swallowed coin or small smooth object has not passed in 4-7 days
  • Your child has mild symptoms like gagging or discomfort after swallowing something
Act now when...
  • Your child swallowed a button battery - this is a medical emergency requiring immediate ER evaluation
  • Your child swallowed a magnet, especially if more than one magnet or a magnet plus metal object
  • Your child swallowed a sharp object (pin, needle, tack, glass)
  • Difficulty breathing, drooling, inability to swallow, or chest/throat pain after swallowing an object
  • Vomiting, abdominal pain, or blood in stool after swallowing an object

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice baby swallowed a foreign object — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that your child swallowed a small, smooth, non-toxic object (like a small bead) and is breathing and eating normally - still contact your pediatrician for guidance — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-12 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Keep your baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding. Note any patterns between feeds and symptoms.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your child swallowed a button battery - this is a medical emergency requiring immediate ER evaluation.

Baby Choking or Coughing on Milk or Liquids

It is common for babies to occasionally cough, sputter, or have milk come out of their nose during feeding, especially in the early weeks. This usually happens because of a fast milk flow (letdown), an immature swallowing coordination, or feeding in a position that is too reclined. Occasional choking episodes during feeding that resolve quickly are usually not serious. Adjusting feeding position, pacing the feed, and using a slower-flow nipple can help.

Baby Swallowed a Magnet

A swallowed magnet is a medical emergency, especially if more than one magnet was swallowed or if a magnet was swallowed along with a metallic object. Multiple magnets can attract each other through intestinal walls, pinching and perforating the bowel, which can cause life-threatening complications within hours. Even a single magnet should be evaluated because you may not know if your child also swallowed another one. Go to the emergency room immediately. Do NOT wait for symptoms to develop and do NOT try to induce vomiting.

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.

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.

Guide

Poop Color & Texture Guide

What your baby's poop color and consistency mean, and when to worry.

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 swallowed a foreign object normal?
Babies and toddlers explore the world by putting things in their mouths, and accidental swallowing of small objects is common. Most small, smooth, non-toxic objects (like a small bead or coin) will pass through the digestive system without harm within 2-5 days. However, some swallowed objects are medical emergencies. Button batteries, magnets (especially multiple magnets), and sharp objects require immediate emergency care as they can cause serious internal injury within hours. If you know or suspect your child swallowed something, contact your pediatrician or go to the emergency room.
When should I call the doctor about baby swallowed a foreign object?
Your child swallowed a button battery - this is a medical emergency requiring immediate ER evaluation Your child swallowed a magnet, especially if more than one magnet or a magnet plus metal object Your child swallowed a sharp object (pin, needle, tack, glass)
When is baby swallowed a foreign object normal?
Your child swallowed a small, smooth, non-toxic object (like a small bead) and is breathing and eating normally - still contact your pediatrician for guidance The object passes in the stool within a few days
What causes baby swallowed a foreign object?
Babies and toddlers explore the world by putting things in their mouths, and accidental swallowing of small objects is common. Most small, smooth, non-toxic objects (like a small bead or coin) will pass through the digestive system without harm within 2-5 days. However, some swallowed objects are medical emergencies. Button batteries, magnets (especially multiple magnets), and sharp objects require immediate emergency care as they can cause serious internal injury within hours. If you know or suspect your child swallowed something, contact your pediatrician or go to the emergency room. Common explanations include: Your child swallowed a small, smooth, non-toxic object (like a small bead) and is breathing and eating normally - still contact your pediatrician for guidance. The object passes in the stool within a few days.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby swallowed a foreign object?
You should mention baby swallowed a foreign object at your next visit if: Your child swallowed any foreign object - always inform your pediatrician. A swallowed coin or small smooth object has not passed in 4-7 days. Your child has mild symptoms like gagging or discomfort after swallowing something.
Is baby swallowed a foreign object normal at 0-12 months?
Babies under 1 year are at risk for swallowing small objects once they can grasp and bring things to their mouth (around 4-6 months). Common ingested items include buttons, beads, and small toy parts. Signs that a baby has swallowed something include gagging, drooling, refusing to eat, or pointing to the throat or chest. If you suspect your baby has swallowed something and they are breathing normally, call your pediatrician or poison control (1-800-222-1222) immediately. If choking, follow infant choking first aid.
Is baby swallowed a foreign object normal at 1-3 years?
Toddlers are the highest-risk age group for foreign body ingestion. Coins are the most commonly swallowed objects. Most smooth, small objects will pass through without treatment, but an X-ray may be needed to confirm the object's location and track its passage. Do NOT induce vomiting. Watch for signs of obstruction: vomiting, abdominal pain, refusing to eat, drooling, or failure to pass the object within 4-7 days. Always save the object after it passes so your doctor can confirm it has been fully expelled.
Should I go to the ER for baby swallowed a foreign object?
Seek emergency care if your child swallowed a button battery - this is a medical emergency requiring immediate ER evaluation, or if your child swallowed a magnet, especially if more than one magnet or a magnet plus metal object. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does baby swallowed a foreign object go away on its own?
In many cases, baby swallowed a foreign object resolves on its own, especially when your child swallowed a small, smooth, non-toxic object (like a small bead) and is breathing and eating normally - still contact your pediatrician for guidance.
AAPAAPNIH

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Swallowed Objects. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]American Academy of Pediatrics. Button Battery Ingestion. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  3. [3]National Library of Medicine. Foreign Body Ingestion in Children. NIH

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Swallowed a Foreign Object.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed baby swallowed a foreign object and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your child swallowed any foreign object - always inform your pediatrician.
  • Mention if a swallowed coin or small smooth object has not passed in 4-7 days.
  • 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

  • Your child swallowed any foreign object - always inform your pediatrician
  • A swallowed coin or small smooth object has not passed in 4-7 days
  • Your child has mild symptoms like gagging or discomfort after swallowing something

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Your child swallowed a button battery - this is a medical emergency requiring immediate ER evaluation
  • Your child swallowed a magnet, especially if more than one magnet or a magnet plus metal object
  • Your child swallowed a sharp object (pin, needle, tack, glass)

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

Poop Color GuideEmergency ContactsBaby Tracker

Bottom line

Most cases of baby swallowed a foreign object are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child swallowed a button battery - this is a medical emergency requiring immediate er evaluation.

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 Digestive Concerns

Baby Choking or Coughing on Milk or Liquids

It is common for babies to occasionally cough, sputter, or have milk come out of their nose during feeding, especially in the early weeks. This usually happens because of a fast milk flow (letdown), an immature swallowing coordination, or feeding in a position that is too reclined. Occasional choking episodes during feeding that resolve quickly are usually not serious. Adjusting feeding position, pacing the feed, and using a slower-flow nipple can help.

Baby Swallowed a Magnet

A swallowed magnet is a medical emergency, especially if more than one magnet was swallowed or if a magnet was swallowed along with a metallic object. Multiple magnets can attract each other through intestinal walls, pinching and perforating the bowel, which can cause life-threatening complications within hours. Even a single magnet should be evaluated because you may not know if your child also swallowed another one. Go to the emergency room immediately. Do NOT wait for symptoms to develop and do NOT try to induce vomiting.

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.

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.

My Baby's Belly Looks Swollen

A rounded, slightly protruding belly is completely normal in babies and toddlers due to immature abdominal muscles and their proportionally larger organs. However, if the belly becomes suddenly swollen, feels hard and tight, or is accompanied by pain, vomiting, or changes in bowel movements, it needs medical evaluation as it could signal gas buildup, constipation, or rarely, something more serious.

My Baby Has an Anal Fissure (Blood When Pooping)

A small streak of bright red blood on the surface of your baby's stool or on the diaper is most commonly caused by an anal fissure, which is a tiny tear in the skin around the anus from passing hard stool. Anal fissures are very common in babies and toddlers and usually heal on their own with simple measures like keeping stools soft. While this is rarely serious, any blood in your baby's stool should be mentioned to your pediatrician.