What to Do if Your Child Swallows a Foreign Object

A question we hear often is what to do if a child accidentally swallows a foreign object. While we're on the subject, it's important to talk about what causes the bulk of choking incidents: food. Some of the main offenders include hot dogs, whole grapes, chunky peanut butter, and some nuts. Parents should take time to cut their children's food into very small pieces until they are about four years old.
It's important to monitor and take note if your child swallows a foreign object. One particular object to look out for is batteries. If you suspect your child may have swallowed a battery, it's essential to bring them into the emergency department as soon as possible. If you can do it quickly and without delay getting to the ER, give the child some honey on the way, which can help in this situation.
Another cause for concern is if your child has swallows magnets. If your child is young enough to accidentally swallow magnets, they should not be playing with them in the first place. However, if you do find yourself in this situation, this is also a scenario that warrants a trip to the emergency department. If your child swallows more than one magnet, they can actually attach to one another in their intestines and cause serious issues.
Other small objects your child may swallow, like tiny Lego pieces, generally pass through on their own without intervention. But if your child swallows anything they shouldn't, it's always best to call your pediatrician to get their advice.
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The St. Louis Children’s Hospital TH-cam station is intended as a reference and information source only. If you suspect you have a health problem, you should seek immediate care with the appropriate health care professionals. The information on this website is not a substitute for professional care, and must not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. For help finding a doctor, St. Louis Children's Hospital Answer Line may be of assistance at 314.454.KIDS (5437). The opinions expressed in these videos are those of the individual writers, not necessarily St. Louis Children's Hospital or Washington University School of Medicine. BJC HealthCare and Washington University School of Medicine assume no liability for the information contained in this website or for its use.