Q: My 9-month-old baby swallowed a small magnet. How long does it take to pass in the stool, and when should we get an X-ray?

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Question:

Hello doctor. Last night around 8 PM, my 9-month-old baby swallowed a fingernail-sized magnet that came off a toy. I confirmed it through our home camera about an hour later. The paramedics came, assessed my baby, consulted with a local hospital, and told us that since the magnet is small, it should naturally pass in the stool.

I was quite panicked yesterday and didn't clearly hear how many days it typically takes to pass. It hasn't come out in this morning's diaper, but I'm hoping it might pass tonight or tomorrow. If it still hasn't passed by tomorrow, should we go get an X-ray on Monday?

Answer:

You must have been very startled by this accident. Swallowing a magnet requires careful monitoring.

🚨 Crucial Initial Verification

Are you absolutely certain that only one magnet was swallowed, or is there a possibility that there were multiple magnets?

* If 2 or more magnets (or 1 magnet + another metal object) were swallowed: There is a severe risk of the magnets attracting each other across intestinal walls, which can cause tissue entrapment and perforation. In this case, you must visit the emergency room immediately.

* If you are absolutely certain it was only 1 magnet, and your baby is eating well, playing normally, and not in any abdominal pain: You can safely observe their stool at home.

What to do at home (If strictly 1 magnet was swallowed):

* Feed your baby as usual and provide plenty of fluids to help keep their stool soft.

* Thoroughly check every diaper for the magnet.

* Generally, a small swallowed object is excreted within 2 to 5 days, though it can sometimes take up to 7 days.

When to get an X-ray:

* If you do not see the magnet in the stool 3 to 4 days after the incident, you should visit a pediatrician or the emergency room to check its location via X-ray.

* Your plan to get an X-ray on Monday (approximately 72 hours after swallowing) is very reasonable.

Red flags requiring an immediate Emergency Room visit:

Even if you are waiting for it to pass, go to the ER right away if you notice any of the following signs:

* Continuously grabbing/touching the belly or unusual fussiness.

* Vomiting 2 or more times.

* Bloody stools or black, tarry stools.

* Refusal to eat or severe lethargy.

Please double-check the exact number of magnets missing from the toy. If you are certain it was only one, proceed with the observation plan outlined above, but please consult a doctor or visit the nearest emergency room immediately if any of the warning signs develop.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

https://fevercoach.us