From figurines to fidget toys, magnets are pervasive in the toy world. While most magnetic toys are geared towards older kids, little ones can still get their hands — and mouths — on them, which can pose serious risks, particularly if more than one magnet is swallowed.
It’s generally not dangerous if a child ingests one small magnet, as it will almost always pass through their system without issues. However, if a child swallows more than one magnet, a number of problems can occur, such as bowel obstruction.
From the signs your child may have swallowed magnetic toys to what to do if they have, here’s what parents and caregivers should know about keeping kids safe from tiny magnets that are often found in magnetic toys.
How are tiny magnets dangerous to kids?
Tiny magnets are dangerous to kids for many reasons. Unfortunately, they can get stuck in their intestines (bowels) and cause a blockage. What is even more dangerous is when a child swallows multiple magnets, which can join together different parts of the intestines, causing that portion of the bowel to twist and get blocked and perhaps even die. This can ultimately lead to the death of the child if the issue isn’t caught quickly.
In other words: if a child swallows two magnets separately, the magnets could be close enough to attract to one another while inside the intestinal tract. This can cause the bowels, which are one long tube, to connect improperly, preventing food and gas from passing through. When food doesn’t move through properly, neither does bacteria, which can cause an infection.
Swallowing a magnet can also erode the mucosal surface of the intestines, which can cause a hole that allows bacteria to pass through to other parts of the body.
Finally, if a child chokes on a magnet, they can also lodge in the airways or lungs.
What are the signs a child has swallowed magnets?
No one can have their eyes on a child 24/7, so it’s important to know the red flags that signal they may have ingested magnets. Here are signs and symptoms that your child may have swallowed a magnet:
- Choking/coughing.
- Abdominal pain.
- No stool or passing gas.
- Distended (swollen) belly.
- Vomiting.
- Pointing to their throat or stomach.
Vomiting could, of course, be a viral illness but, if your child ingests a magnet, the vomiting won’t stop and the child won’t be able to keep any food or water down. Also, there won’t be any diarrhea present. Symptoms can progress over a few hours, with a child ultimately being difficult to wake up, being pale in colour and eventually falling unconscious.
Swallowing a magnet can lead to death if the issue is not caught quickly and the appropriate care is not given. And, unfortunately, even with good medical care, it’s still possible for a child to die from ingesting magnets.
What to do if a child swallows a magnet
If a child swallows one magnet (even a high-powered [a.k.a rare-earth] magnet), it’s unlikely it will cause harm, as it should pass through their system. Nevertheless, it’s always a good idea to contact your child’s pediatrician when you’re concerned; but even if two magnets are swallowed, if they are already connected, they are unlikely to cause serious issues.
However, if a child swallows more than one magnet separately, seek medical care immediately, preferably at a children’s hospital where they have specialized pediatric doctors who can remove the magnets.
If no-one is nearby, your local ER (emergency room) is a good immediate starting point. The bottom line is to seek care as soon as you know or have suspicion that your child has swallowed a magnet.
What are treatments for swallowing a magnet?
A single magnet will almost always pass through a child’s system, but they will sometimes need to be monitored with repeated X-rays to assure that this happens. If it does not pass, a gastroenterologist or surgeon will go in with an endoscope under anesthesia to see if they can remove the magnet without having to perform more invasive abdominal surgery. In most cases, however, single magnets pass within 24 hours.
If multiple magnets are swallowed, the child will undergo endoscopic retrieval or abdominal surgery immediately, as this scenario can be imminently life threatening. Sometimes, children require portions of their intestines to be removed if the blockage leads to death of that segment.
Generally, your child will need to stay in hospital for a few days. Your child will only be discharged home once your medical team are sure that your child is not at high risk of developing any worrying symptoms.
How can parents and caregivers mitigate the chances of swallowing a magnet?
It’s hard to always keep your eyes on little ones — especially when there are multiple kids (and messes) in the house — but here’s how to minimize the risk of a child ingesting magnets.
Keep magnets and magnetic toys out of reach of small kids
Obvious? Yes. But crucial nonetheless. Be careful to make sure that magnetic toys or any type of magnet is only in reach of children who are old enough to not be at risk of putting things in their mouths.
Educate older children about magnets and the danger of swallowing them
Make sure older siblings know the risks so that they understand that magnets are not to be played with outside of intended use. Additionally, according to Health Canada, parents and caregivers should check their home for loose magnets and dispose of them safely.
