It can be scary if your baby swallows something they shouldn't. Some signs that your baby may have swallowed something include:
Signs of a Swallowed Object
- Coughing or gagging: This is a common reaction to having something in the throat.
- Choking: If the object is blocking the airway, your baby may choke and struggle to breathe.
- Drooling: This can be a sign that the object is irritating the throat.
- Vomiting: This can happen if the object is irritating the stomach.
- Difficulty swallowing: Your baby may have trouble swallowing if the object is lodged in the throat or esophagus.
- Pain: Your baby may cry or rub their chest or throat if they're in pain.
- Changes in breathing: Your baby's breathing may become rapid, shallow, or noisy if the object is blocking the airway.
- Blueness around the lips or fingertips: This is a sign of low oxygen levels and is a medical emergency.
What to Do if You Think Your Baby Has Swallowed Something
If your baby is choking, call 911 immediately. If your baby is not choking but you are concerned, contact your doctor or local poison control center.
Important Considerations
- Age: Younger babies are more at risk of choking because their airways are smaller.
- Object size and shape: Smaller, irregularly shaped objects are more likely to get stuck.
- Object material: Some materials, such as batteries, can be particularly dangerous.
Prevention
The best way to prevent your baby from swallowing something is to keep small objects out of their reach.
