Swallowed Button Battery, Magnet or Small Object: What to Do

Why these three are different

• Button and coin batteries can burn through the lining of the throat in as little as 2 hours, even if a child seems fine. Lithium coin batteries about the size of a nickel are the most dangerous.
• High-powered magnets (small, shiny, often in desk toys, jewelry or building sets) can attract each other or a metal object through the walls of the gut, causing holes. Two or more, or one magnet plus something metal, is the danger.
• Water beads are tiny gel balls that swell many times their size once wet and can block the bowel. They also don't show up well on X-rays. Many safety groups advise keeping them out of homes with young children altogether.

Where they hide

• Batteries: remote controls, key fobs, car remotes, kitchen and bathroom scales, thermometers, flameless candles, musical greeting cards, hearing aids, light-up toys and shoes.
• Check that battery compartments are screwed shut. US law now requires secured compartments on new products, but older and imported items may not have them.
• Store spare and used batteries locked up, and tape over the ends of used ones before recycling.

If you think a battery was swallowed

1. Go to the emergency room right away. Don't wait for symptoms, and don't make your child vomit.
2. If your child is over 12 months and it happened within the last 12 hours, you can give 2 teaspoons (10 mL) of honey every 10 minutes, up to 6 times, on the way. Never delay the trip for honey, and never give it under 12 months.
3. Bring the battery package or a matching battery if you can.
4. Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) can advise while you travel.
5. Batteries in the nose or ear also need the ER right away.

Other swallowed objects

• Coins, small smooth toy pieces and beads often pass on their own in a few days. Your pediatrician may still want an X-ray, especially for coins, which can get stuck in the food pipe.
• Signs something is stuck: drooling, refusing food or drink, gagging or vomiting, pointing to the throat or chest, or a new cough or wheeze.
• Sharp objects, multiple magnets and anything large need prompt medical advice.

Prevention

• If it fits through a toilet paper tube, it's a choking and swallowing risk for kids under 3.
• Older siblings' toys: building sets, craft kits and slime ingredients go on a high shelf or in a room with a gate. See the choking and CPR guide.

When to check in

• Call your pediatrician for advice on any swallowed coin or small object, even if your child seems fine.
• Mention frequent mouthing of non-food items at a checkup.
• If your child is choking, can't breathe or is drooling and struggling, call 911.