What to Do If a Child Swallows Something

My Child Swallowed Something: What Ontario Parents Need to Know

When your child swallows something they shouldn't have, it's natural to panic. The good news? Most small objects pass through safely on their own. Here's what you need to know to handle this scary moment.

What's going on?

Kids are naturally curious, and putting things in their mouths is how they explore the world. Most children will swallow something unusual at least once, especially between ages 1 to 5 when they're most likely to mouth objects.

The human digestive system is surprisingly good at moving things along. Most small, smooth objects like coins, small toys, or food pieces will travel through your child's system and come out in their stool within a few days. The journey from mouth to diaper usually takes 3 to 7 days.

However, some objects can get stuck or cause damage on their way down. Sharp objects, large items, or anything that could block breathing need immediate attention.

What you might notice

- Coughing or gagging

- Drooling more than usual

- Difficulty swallowing

- Refusing to eat or drink

- Stomach pain or discomfort

- Vomiting

- Your child pointing to their throat or chest

What helps at home

If your child swallowed something small and smooth and seems comfortable, you can usually wait and watch. Keep them eating their normal diet (the fiber helps things move along) and check every diaper or bowel movement for the next week.

Never try to make your child vomit or reach into their mouth to grab something. This can push the object further down or cause more damage.

Don't give your child bread, bananas, or other bulky foods thinking it will help push the object down. Stick to their regular meals and plenty of fluids.

Keep a close eye on how they're acting. If they seem uncomfortable or different in any way, trust your instincts.

When to worry

Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if your child is having trouble breathing, can't speak or cry normally, is turning blue, or seems to be choking.

Also head to the ER immediately if they swallowed a battery (especially button batteries), magnet, sharp object like a nail or glass, or anything larger than a coin.

Contact your doctor or text Arlo if your child swallowed something and is drooling excessively, refusing to eat or drink, complaining of throat or stomach pain, or if you're just worried about what they might have swallowed. We can help you figure out if you need to be seen right away or if it's safe to watch and wait.

The takeaway

Most swallowed objects pass through without problems, but you know your child best. When in doubt, it's always better to check with a healthcare provider.

You can always text Arlo and talk to a provider in 5 minutes!

References

- [Swallowed Objects - Caring for Kids](https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/swallowed_objects)

- [Swallowed Objects - AboutKidsHealth](https://aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=1965&language=english)

- [Foreign Body Ingestion - Canadian Paediatric Society](https://cps.ca/en/documents/position/foreign-body-ingestion)