Common Household Items Sending More Kids to the ER, Experts Warn

Published October 27, 2025

MADERA, Calif. – Experts at Valley Children’s Hospital are alerting families to a hidden threat after a spike in emergency cases involving young children who have swallowed small household objects.

These are often items that adults don’t realize pose a threat – like coins, magnets and button batteries. Many are hidden inside everyday household items such as remotes, jewelry and seasonal decorations, making them easy to overlook.

“As a pediatric surgeon, I’ve seen firsthand the devastation that can follow when a child swallows something dangerous,” says Dr. Shannon Castle, trauma medical director at Valley Children’s. “These cases can escalate quickly. Prevention, awareness and early action are key.”

Young children are naturally curious and quick to explore with their mouths, experts say. In fact, more than 50,000 cases of foreign body ingestion in children under age 5 were reported to the National Poison Data System in 2022.

According to this data, most incidents occurred in children between 6 months and 3 years old, with the majority happening inside the home.

That’s why it’s so important for families to know which everyday items can be dangerous – and keep them out of reach.

Some potentially dangerous household items to keep an eye out for include:

Button batteries – Found in toys, remotes, watches, hearing aids, key fobs, musical greeting cards, AirTags and holiday decorations like light-up ornaments or animated figurines.
Coins – All sizes, especially those less than one inch in diameter.
Magnets – Especially small, strong magnets from toys, fridge magnets, jewelry or DIY kits.
Small toy parts – Water beads, building blocks, figurine accessories and game tokens.
Sharp objects – Screws, nails, pushpins, tacks, sewing needles, toothpicks, jewelry and aluminum pull tabs.
Glass shards – From broken ornaments, dishes or picture frames.

If your child suddenly begins drooling more than usual, refuses to eat or drink, or seems to gag or vomit without explanation, these could be signs that something is wrong. Complaints of chest or throat pain – or even unexplained fussiness – may also point to a swallowed object that’s causing internal irritation or blockage.

“If you suspect your child may have swallowed something, especially a magnet or battery, go to an emergency room right away,” Dr. Castle advises.

While many swallowing incidents happen at home, the same risks exist in places where children spend time away from family – such as daycares, preschools, playgroups and relatives’ homes. Even in the safest environment, accidents can happen in seconds. Staying informed and acting quickly can make all the difference.

For more safety tips and resources, visit valleychildrens.org.