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This is a life-threatening emergency. Call 911 immediately, then follow these steps while waiting for help.
Magnet Ingestion — Always an Emergency
Content reviewed against published AAP, NASPGHAN, CPSC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Swallowing multiple magnets (or a magnet plus a metallic object) is a surgical emergency. Magnets can attract each other through loops of intestine, causing the bowel wall to become trapped, cut off blood supply, perforate, and lead to sepsis. Even small rare-earth magnets (from toys, desk sets, or fridge magnets) can be lethal. A single small magnet MAY pass safely, but multiple magnets require immediate ER evaluation.
Immediate actions
- Call 911 immediately
- Go to the EMERGENCY ROOM immediately if you suspect multiple magnets or a magnet plus a metal object were swallowed
- DO NOT: Do NOT wait for symptoms — intestinal damage may not cause pain until perforation occurs
Step-by-Step Response
Assess what was swallowed
Try to determine: how many magnets are missing from the set, what type (rare-earth/neodymium are most dangerous), and whether any metallic objects may also have been swallowed. Count remaining pieces if from a set.
Go to the ER immediately
If multiple magnets (or magnet + metal) were swallowed, this is a surgical emergency. Do not wait for your pediatrician to call back. Go to the ER now.
Keep child NPO
Nothing by mouth. Emergency surgery may be needed, and a full stomach increases surgical risk.
Bring evidence
Bring the remaining magnets, the toy or product they came from, and any packaging showing size and type. This helps the ER team understand what they are dealing with.
X-ray imaging
The ER will perform X-rays to locate the magnets. Multiple magnets that appear to be stuck together THROUGH bowel loops are an emergency. Even magnets that appear close together may be separated by bowel wall.
If magnets are in the stomach
If all magnets are still in the stomach and stuck together, endoscopic removal may be attempted. This is time-sensitive — once magnets pass beyond the stomach into the intestines, surgery becomes more likely.
If magnets are in the intestines
If magnets are separated in different loops of intestine, emergency surgery is typically required to prevent perforation, fistula formation, obstruction, or sepsis.
Single magnet management
A single small magnet with NO metallic objects also swallowed may pass safely. The doctor will likely monitor with repeat X-rays. However, it is critical to confirm only ONE magnet was swallowed — when in doubt, treat as multiple.
What NOT to Do
- ✕Do NOT wait for symptoms — intestinal damage may not cause pain until perforation occurs
- ✕Do NOT induce vomiting — magnets can cause damage on the way back up
- ✕Do NOT assume a single magnet is harmless — get medical confirmation via X-ray
- ✕Do NOT give laxatives or attempt to speed passage
- ✕Do NOT let child eat or drink until seen by a doctor
- ✕Do NOT assume that because the child seems fine, the magnets are not dangerous
- ✕Do NOT try to remove magnets yourself
When to Seek Help
Call 911 if:
- Child has swallowed multiple magnets and is having abdominal pain
- Child who swallowed magnets is vomiting, especially if vomit is green (bile)
- Child has a rigid, tender abdomen (sign of perforation)
- Child has fever after magnet ingestion (sign of infection/perforation)
- Child is lethargic or in shock (pale, cold, rapid pulse)
Go to ER if:
- Any known or suspected ingestion of multiple magnets — always go to ER immediately
- Any known or suspected ingestion of a magnet PLUS a metal object
- Single magnet ingestion if you cannot confirm that ONLY one was swallowed
- Unexplained abdominal pain in a child who has access to small magnets
- Child found with magnets in mouth (may have already swallowed some)
- Pieces are missing from a magnet toy set and child was playing with it unsupervised
Call your doctor if:
- You found a magnet set with pieces missing and are unsure if child swallowed them
- Child swallowed a single magnet and doctor is monitoring — call if any symptoms develop
- After discharge from ER for follow-up imaging
- Child has recurring abdominal pain days after possible magnet ingestion
Age-Specific Guidance
0-12 months
Babies find magnets that fall on the floor or are handed to them by older siblings. At this age, any small object goes in the mouth. Rare-earth magnets from older children's toys are a common source. Small fridge magnets that come loose are another risk.
1-3 years
The highest-risk age group. Toddlers are attracted to the clicking/sticking properties of magnets and put them in their mouths. They can access magnets from siblings' toys, fridge magnets, or even swallow them off their own magnetic clothing closures.
3-6 years
Older preschoolers may deliberately play with magnets near their mouths (pretending they are piercings, for example). They may also share magnet toys with younger siblings. Education about the danger of swallowing magnets should begin at this age.
Prevention
- Keep ALL small magnets completely out of reach of children under 6
- High-powered rare-earth magnet sets (Buckyballs, magnetic building spheres) should NEVER be in a home with young children
- Check refrigerator magnets — if they can be pulled off easily and are small enough to swallow, remove them
- Inspect magnetic toys regularly for loose or detaching magnets
- Be aware of magnets in unexpected items: jewelry, phone cases, cabinet latches, clothing closures
- Educate older children about keeping magnet toys away from younger siblings
- If magnets are in the home, count them regularly and immediately account for any missing pieces
- Advocate for child-safety regulations on magnetic toy products
- Consider removing all small magnets from the home until children are old enough to understand the danger (6+ years)
Frequently asked questions
Should I call 911 for magnet ingestion — always an emergency?
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
This is a serious emergency. Always call 911 first, then follow the steps above while help is on the way.
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.