Swallowed Objects & Button Batteries in Children

Children are curious, put objects in their mouths, and cannot judge danger. Accidents happen most often when small items, batteries, or magnets are within reach. Children with developmental delay and older children who swallow items deliberately may also be at risk.

Swallowing foreign objects is very common in children under about five years old, and the number of serious injuries from button batteries and magnets has caused concern worldwide. Many household items contain button batteries, such as remote controls, key fobs, toys, greeting cards, scales and watches.

The doctor asks what was swallowed, when, and what symptoms there are, and examines your child. An X-ray of the neck, chest and belly shows most metal objects, batteries and magnets, and helps locate them. Some objects (for example plastic, glass or wood) may not show up well, and further imaging or endoscopy may be needed. Tell the doctor honestly about any possibility of a battery or magnets, since this changes how urgent the care is.

If you suspect a dangerous object has been swallowed, act immediately. There is no home treatment.

• Go to the emergency department or call emergency services right away. Take the packaging or an identical item with you.

• Do NOT make your child vomit, and do not give laxatives or home remedies.

• Do not give food or drink unless a doctor tells you to, because your child may need an anaesthetic. If emergency services or a poison centre give you specific advice on the phone, follow it.

• Keep a child who is choking in the first-aid position taught in a paediatric first-aid course, and call emergency services.

Prevention: store button batteries, magnets, small toys and coins out of reach; check that battery compartments are secured with a screw; and discard used batteries safely at once.

Food and drink are limited until the team has assessed your child.

• Your child will usually be told not to eat or drink until a decision about removal is made.

• After removal, feeding is restarted gradually as advised, sometimes starting with liquids or soft foods, especially after a battery injury.

• Offer age-appropriate foods only, and avoid hard, round foods such as whole nuts and grapes in young children.

Medicines do not remove a dangerous swallowed object.

• Do not give laxatives, antacids or home remedies to try to move the object.

• After a battery injury, the team may prescribe medicines to protect the food pipe and treat infection. The doctor decides which medicines and doses.

Removal is by endoscopy in many cases, and urgency depends on the object.

• Button batteries in the food pipe, and sharp objects, are removed by endoscopy as an emergency, usually under general anaesthetic.

• Other objects in the food pipe are removed urgently or within hours, depending on what and where they are.

• Smooth small objects in the stomach or beyond may be watched and allowed to pass. The team will explain how to check and when to return.

• Surgery is rarely needed for a bowel injury or a blockage.

Most swallowed objects pass without a problem. When a dangerous object is removed quickly, the outlook is generally good. Delay with button batteries can cause severe, sometimes life-threatening, injuries to the food pipe, airway or large blood vessels, with long-term effects. Prevention and fast action are therefore essential.

• Does my child need the object removed, and how soon?

• If the object is allowed to pass, how will we know it has gone, and what signs mean we must return?

• Will my child need follow-up after a battery or magnet injury?

• When can my child eat and drink normally again?

This guide comes from the Saudi Gastroenterology Association (SGA) patient library, prepared by the Approved for publication by SGA; individual clinician review is ongoing. Last reviewed: 2026-04-24. It is for education and does not replace your doctor's advice.