Swallowed Foreign Object
Content reviewed against published AAP, NASPGHAN, Poison Control guidelines
Last reviewed:
Children frequently swallow non-food objects such as coins, small toys, beads, and pins. Most small, smooth objects pass through the digestive tract without harm. However, button batteries, magnets, and sharp objects are emergencies requiring immediate medical intervention.
Immediate actions
- May not require 911 — see guidance below
- Determine what was swallowed — this determines urgency
- DO NOT: Do NOT induce vomiting — this can cause objects to become stuck or cause additional injury
Step-by-Step Response
Identify the object
Determine what was swallowed, its size, and when. Critical emergencies: button/disc batteries (burn through tissue in 2 hours), multiple magnets (can pinch/perforate bowel), sharp objects (needles, pins, glass).
Assess the child
Is the child breathing normally? Can they swallow? Are they drooling, gagging, or in pain? An object stuck in the esophagus causes drooling, food refusal, and neck/chest pain.
For batteries or magnets
Go to the ER IMMEDIATELY. Do not wait. Button batteries can cause life-threatening burns in the esophagus within 2 hours. Multiple magnets can attract through intestinal walls and cause perforation.
For sharp objects
Call doctor or go to ER. Sharp items (open safety pins, needles, tacks, glass, bones) may need removal before they pass into the intestines.
For smooth, small objects (coins, beads, pebbles)
Call your pediatrician. If the object passed the esophagus (child is eating/drinking normally), most will pass in stool within 2-4 days. Monitor stools. Follow doctor's guidance.
Monitor for complications
Watch for: vomiting, abdominal pain, blood in stool, fever, refusal to eat, or increased drooling. Any of these warrant immediate medical evaluation.
Follow up
If the object does not pass in stool within 2-4 days, or if symptoms develop, contact your doctor. An X-ray may be needed to locate the object.
What NOT to Do
- ✕Do NOT induce vomiting — this can cause objects to become stuck or cause additional injury
- ✕Do NOT give laxatives to try to speed passage
- ✕Do NOT wait and see with button batteries or magnets — these are surgical emergencies
- ✕Do NOT assume a coin will pass if it is stuck in the esophagus (child may drool, refuse food, or have chest pain)
- ✕Do NOT ignore persistent drooling, gagging, or food refusal after suspected ingestion
When to Seek Help
Call 911 if:
- Child is choking — cannot breathe, cough, or cry
- Button battery swallowed and child is in distress
- Sharp object causing bleeding or severe pain
- Child is unresponsive after swallowing an object
Go to ER if:
- Button battery ingestion (IMMEDIATE — do not wait)
- Magnet ingestion, especially if more than one magnet
- Sharp object ingestion (pin, needle, glass, bone)
- Child is drooling, gagging, unable to swallow, or refusing food (object stuck in esophagus)
- Object larger than a quarter or longer than 2 inches in a child under 5
- Vomiting, abdominal pain, blood in stool, or fever after swallowing an object
- Any object containing lead
Call your doctor if:
- Child swallowed a small, smooth object (coin, bead) and is otherwise fine
- Object has not passed in stool within 4 days
- Mild symptoms (slight discomfort) after swallowing a small smooth object
- Guidance on monitoring after known ingestion
Age-Specific Guidance
6 months - 1 year
Infants explore by mouthing everything. Coins are the most commonly swallowed object. Button batteries from remotes and key fobs are extremely dangerous. Ensure battery compartments are secure.
1-3 years
Toddlers swallow coins, beads, small toy parts, crayon pieces, and magnets. They can access items dropped on floors or in older siblings' toy boxes. Be vigilant about small parts.
3-6 years
Children may intentionally swallow objects out of curiosity or during play. Magnetic desk toys (Buckyballs) and craft beads are particular hazards. Coins remain the most common foreign body.
Prevention
- Keep small objects out of reach — coins, buttons, beads, screws, pins
- Check toy age ratings and inspect for loose parts
- Keep button batteries in secure, locked compartments
- Tape over battery compartments on remotes, key fobs, and small electronics
- Keep magnets (especially small, powerful neodymium magnets) away from children
- Supervise meals to prevent swallowing bones or large food pieces
- Get on the floor at child's level to spot small hazards
- Teach older siblings not to give small items to younger children
Frequently asked questions
Should I call 911 for swallowed foreign object?
What should I do first?
What should I NOT do?
How can I prevent this?
Sources
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources
Related Emergency Guides
Bottom line
Stay calm and follow the steps above. When in doubt, call your pediatrician or go to the nearest emergency room.
You are doing the right thing by learning what to do in an emergency. Being prepared is one of the best things you can do for your child.