Children between 6 months and 3 years old commonly swallow small objects. Most pass through the digestive system on their own, but some – including batteries, magnets, and sharp items – require immediate medical attention. If your child swallows something, contact their doctor even if they have no symptoms.

If you’ve ever spent time around infants or toddlers, you know where everything goes as soon as they get their hands on it – in their mouths.

“Swallowing foreign objects is quite common in children between the ages of 6 months to 3 years old,” says pediatrician Amissabah Kanley, MD. “The best strategy for preventing a child from swallowing non-edible objects is to keep small items away from them and always monitor them closely.”

But even with the closest supervision, toddlers can find things to put in their mouths.

What objects do children most commonly swallow?

Some of the most commonly swallowed items include:

• Buttons
• Batteries
• Coins
• Small toys
• Magnets
• Bones
• Marbles

“Most of the time, small nonfood objects will pass through the digestive system without causing any health issues or symptoms,” Dr. Kanley says. “If you suspect your child may have swallowed something, even if they are not having symptoms, you should always contact your child’s doctor. Even the most seemingly benign objects can cause harm.”

Which swallowed objects are most dangerous?

Certain items are more dangerous and could cause serious harm. If your child swallows any of the following, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room:

• Strong magnets
• Items containing lead, such as air rifle pellets or sinkers for fishing lines
• Highly absorbent items like water beads
• Batteries, especially small disc batteries
• Sharp objects
• Medications or pills

What symptoms mean my child needs care right away?

If your child swallowed something and experiences any of the following symptoms, call 911 or go to the closest emergency room immediately:

• Trouble breathing
• Trouble swallowing (increased drooling is a sign of this)
• Noisy breathing
• Neck, chest, or abdominal pain
• Bloody vomiting or bloody stool

Even if your child doesn’t have these symptoms, it’s a good idea to reach out to your doctor when they have swallowed an object.

“Don’t be afraid to call for help or advice,” Dr. Kanley says. “No matter what your child swallows, always err on the side of caution and contact your doctor.”

How do doctors remove a swallowed object?

Depending on the object and its location, your doctor may want to monitor your child before any intervention is needed. The item may pass on its own within a few days.

However, sometimes an object becomes stuck or is too dangerous to leave in place. 

“If an object gets stuck, it could block the gastrointestinal tract, which could be dangerous,” Dr. Kanley says. “In other cases, such as with batteries, the object can damage the tissue of the GI tract itself.”

If removal is necessary, your doctor can use a variety of approaches depending on where the object is and what it is. Doctors may use imaging or special tools to locate the object and remove it.

Frequently asked questions

Should I go to the ER or call my doctor? 

For most swallowed objects with no symptoms, call your child’s doctor. Go to the ER immediately if your child swallowed a battery, magnet, sharp object, medication, or anything containing lead – or if they have any trouble breathing, swallowing, or signs of pain.

Will the object pass on its own? 

Many small, smooth objects pass through the digestive system within a few days without causing harm. Your doctor can advise you on whether to monitor at home or come in for evaluation.

How long does it take for a swallowed object to pass? 

Most objects that will pass do so within a few days. Your doctor may recommend checking your child’s stool to confirm the object has passed.