To limit the risks and avoid these kinds of problems, never leave your child unattended. It usually takes a few seconds to swallow an object. Also pay close attention to the type of toys you give him. Small objects should therefore be stored out of reach, just like toxic products.

Also respect the ages recommended for games, to avoid confronting the little one with toy parts that are too small and easily unmanageable, especially by the youngest who tend to put everything in their mouths.

If these precautionary measures were not enough and your child has just swallowed an object, don’t panic, stay calm and take action:

• If it does not show any symptoms, there is usually no medical emergency, but if in doubt it is best to consult a doctor. Can he talk? Ask him what he swallowed and verify that it is real. Indeed, sometimes, children think they have ingested something but we find the object on the ground or hidden in the middle of the toys a few minutes later. This will prevent unnecessary consultation;
• On the other hand, in the event of ingestion of a toxic object such as a battery for example, it is important to consult urgently to avoid any complications thereafter. This is also the case with soft objects (balls, etc.) which can get stuck very easily in your body;
• If the little one has swallowed a large pointed object or has significant symptoms of breathing difficulties and bluish skin (sign of choking), or bleeding, do not waste a second and contact emergency services at faster.

While waiting for help to arrive, and if your child can no longer speak or breathe, act quickly. Stand behind him and lean the child forward, forcing his pelvis to flex. Place one arm across his chest, and with the flat of your other hand, give four or five fairly firm slaps between his shoulder blades.

If your child does not show any symptoms, do not attempt these specific medical manipulations and seek the advice of a health professional. Most often, the foreign body is expelled naturally and without risk to the child.

Whatever the type of object and the important symptoms or not that the child presents, it is essential to reassure him and to explain the situation to him. If the ingestion does not seem to have had consequences, explain to him that this incident is not serious but that as a precaution, you will take him to see the doctor who will see if everything is normal. If he is in pain and has trouble breathing, reassure him while explaining the actions you will have to take to relieve him. It is often panic that causes strong symptoms, so by lowering the tension you should be able to relieve some of its discomfort. Finally, if you have to consult urgently, take the time to explain to him that he is leaving for the hospital to undergo examinations which will allow the object to be removed.

In almost all cases, the object is expelled spontaneously and naturally in the stool within a few days. But it sometimes happens that the doctor follows the little one to locate the object and its elimination. This precaution is normal and allows the doctor to intervene quickly in the event of complications. Do not hesitate to ask for advice from your pediatrician, he will be able to tell you what to do and tell you which establishment is best able to take care of your child.

In other cases, he will have to extract the foreign body endoscopically (examination of the organs using a camera equipped with light). Then a surveillance will be put in place during the following days. It is therefore very rare to have surgery in the event of ingestion of an object.

In children, prevention is the best treatment. It is therefore very important to never leave anything dangerous or too small for the child. Use tall storage and securing tools for every room in the house.