Chloe Zhang
Toddlers tend to put things in their mouths, and sometimes this includes plastic. Plastic is everywhere, and it's impossible to avoid completely. While we still don't know the full health effects of microplastics, ingesting plastic can be dangerous for young children, who may choke on small objects or suffer internal damage. If your toddler has swallowed plastic, it's important to remain calm and take immediate action. Here's what you need to do.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| If the plastic is small, smooth, solid, and not magnetic | Wait for it to pass, rather than rushing to an emergency room |
| If the plastic is larger and could become lodged in the throat, stomach, or intestines | Take the child to the ER for x-rays to determine if intervention is necessary |
| If the child is choking and can't breathe | Perform the Heimlich maneuver. If that doesn't work, call emergency services |
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What You'll Learn
If choking, perform the Heimlich manoeuvre
If your toddler is choking on plastic, perform the Heimlich manoeuvre. This first-aid procedure is used to treat upper-airway obstructions by foreign objects.
Step 1
First, encourage the toddler to cough to expel the obstruction.
Step 2
Bend the toddler forward and deliver five hard slaps to their back.
Step 3
If the above methods fail, use abdominal thrusts as a final resort. Stand behind the toddler and use your hands to apply pressure to the bottom of their diaphragm. Compress their lungs and exert pressure on the plastic to expel it. You can do this by making a fist with one hand and grasping it with the other, just above the toddler's navel.
Step 4
If the toddler cannot receive pressure on the abdomen, perform chest thrusts instead. Hold the toddler upright and support their neck and head by cradling it in your hand. Place two to three fingers on the middle of the toddler's chest and press down sharply.
Step 5
If the blockage is still not dislodged, call emergency services and attempt abdominal and chest thrusts again.
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Check if the plastic is sharp
If your toddler has swallowed plastic, it is important to remain calm and take immediate action to ensure their safety. Here are some steps to follow if you suspect your toddler has ingested plastic:
First, check if the plastic is sharp. Inspect the object and feel for any sharp edges or points. If the plastic appears to have sharp edges, do not attempt to remove it from your toddler's mouth as this could cause accidental cuts or further damage. Instead, immediately take your child to the emergency room or call for emergency medical assistance. Sharp objects can pose a serious threat to your toddler's health, potentially causing tears or lacerations in their throat, stomach, or intestines.
If the plastic is not sharp, you can carefully try to sweep the object out of your toddler's mouth with your finger. This is safer to do with soft, circular objects that are not likely to cause choking. However, if the plastic is small enough that you believe your toddler may have already swallowed it, do not try to retrieve it from their mouth.
In any case, it is important to closely monitor your toddler for any signs of discomfort or choking. If they are choking and cannot breathe, perform the Heimlich maneuver, and if that does not work, call emergency services immediately.
If the plastic has been swallowed and is not sharp, you can usually let it pass through their system naturally. Give your toddler some water and encourage them to relax and take deep breaths. Keep a close eye on their stool over the next week to ensure the object passes safely.
While it is common for toddlers to put things in their mouths, it is important to take preventive measures to keep small objects out of their reach. Always inspect toys for safety and keep batteries and other hazardous items secured and away from young children.
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Assess whether the plastic is small, smooth, solid and non-magnetic
If your toddler has swallowed plastic, it is important to stay calm and assess the situation. Firstly, try to determine the size, shape, and texture of the plastic that was swallowed. If the plastic is small, smooth, solid, and non-magnetic, it may be safe to monitor your toddler and wait for the object to pass naturally. Small objects are more likely to pass through the gastrointestinal tract without causing harm or getting lodged in the throat, stomach, or intestines. However, it is still important to call a medical professional to confirm this course of action.
To assess whether the plastic is small, consider the size of the object in relation to your toddler's throat. If it is visibly small enough to have been swallowed easily, it is likely that it will not cause an obstruction. However, if the plastic piece is larger or if multiple pieces were swallowed, there is a risk of blockage, and you should seek medical advice immediately.
When determining if the plastic is smooth, feel the surface of the plastic (if it is still accessible) or consider the texture of the object. Smooth objects are less likely to cause damage or irritation as they pass through the digestive system. On the other hand, sharp or pointed edges could rip or tear delicate tissues, so immediate medical attention is required in such cases.
Solid objects are generally safer than hollow ones, as they are less likely to break apart and cause internal damage. However, this does not mean that all solid objects are safe for ingestion. Assess the object's solidity by feeling it or considering its material composition. If the plastic is brittle or fragile, it could potentially break into smaller pieces, which may increase the risk of internal damage or obstruction.
Lastly, determine if the plastic is magnetic. Bring a magnet close to the plastic (if accessible) to test for magnetic properties. Alternatively, consider the type of plastic and whether it is likely to be magnetic. If there is any possibility that the plastic is magnetic, seek immediate medical attention. Ingested magnets can attract each other through different parts of the intestine, causing serious internal damage.
In summary, if the plastic your toddler has swallowed is small, smooth, solid, and non-magnetic, it may be safe to wait for it to pass naturally, but always consult a medical professional first. For larger, sharp, hollow, or magnetic objects, immediate medical attention is crucial to ensure your toddler's safety.
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Monitor stool for the plastic
If your toddler has ingested plastic, it is important to monitor their stool for any signs of the plastic or related issues. Here are some detailed steps and guidelines to help you through this process:
Collecting a Stool Sample:
- Place something in the toilet to catch your toddler's poop. You can use a tray, container, or plastic wrap between the toilet seat and rim. Avoid the plastic wrap method if the stool is loose or watery.
- Ensure that the poop does not touch the inside of the toilet bowl to prevent contamination.
- Use a plastic scoop or disposable spoon to place the sample into a specimen container. Follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding the amount needed.
- Secure the lid on the specimen container tightly.
Storing and Transporting the Sample:
- Place all the materials used to collect the sample, including gloves if worn, into a plastic bag. Tie it up securely and dispose of it safely.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water afterward.
- Deliver the specimen to a lab or your healthcare provider's office as soon as possible. If there is a delay, you can store the sample in a refrigerator for a short time, but ideally within 24 hours.
Understanding Stool Appearance:
- Normal poop has a smooth surface with a soft to semi-firm texture, making it easier to pass. The Bristol stool scale provides a clinical assessment with seven different images to indicate the type of stool.
- Variations in stool appearance, such as foamy, mucous, or bloody stools, can indicate underlying issues like infections, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or other gastrointestinal problems.
- White spots in the stool can be a result of parasitic infections, tapeworms, or certain medications.
Seeking Medical Advice:
- If you notice any abnormalities in your toddler's stool, consult a healthcare provider. They may recommend a stool test to detect bacteria, viruses, parasites, or other issues.
- Be vigilant about any other symptoms your toddler may exhibit, such as stomach pain, frequent bowel movements, or changes in stool consistency.
- If you have concerns about your toddler's health or the presence of plastic in their stool, don't hesitate to seek medical advice promptly.
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Contact Poison Control
If you suspect your toddler has ingested plastic, you should contact Poison Control immediately. Poison Control is available online with webPOISONCONTROL or by phone at 1-800-222-1222. Both options are free, expert, and confidential.
It is important to act quickly and not wait for symptoms to develop, as some dangerous substances won't cause a reaction immediately. If your child is displaying serious symptoms such as collapsing, having a seizure, trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, call 911 right away.
If your child has swallowed an object, assess the size and shape of the plastic item they ingested. If the object is small, smooth, solid, and not magnetic, you may be advised to wait for it to pass naturally. However, larger objects or those with sharp edges may become lodged in the throat, stomach, or intestines, requiring immediate medical attention and possibly X-rays to determine if intervention is necessary.
To prevent accidental poisonings, it is recommended to keep hazardous household products, medicines, and button batteries out of your child's reach. Use child-resistant packaging and always secure replacement caps tightly. Install carbon monoxide alarms in every sleeping area of your home.
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Frequently asked questions
If the piece of plastic is small, smooth, and solid, it is likely safe to wait for it to pass. However, if your child is choking, perform the Heimlich maneuver and call 911 if that doesn't work. If the plastic is sharp or large, take your child to the ER to get an X-ray and determine if intervention is necessary.
Sharp pieces of plastic could tear tissues in the throat, stomach, or intestines. Additionally, some plastics may contain harmful chemicals that could be released in the body.
It is important to keep small plastic objects out of reach from toddlers and to ensure that any plastic toys are made from safe materials.
Rubber and silicone are generally considered safer than plastic. Glass and stainless steel are also good alternatives, although they may be more expensive.
Take your child to the ER immediately. Do not wait or bring them to a walk-in clinic, as they may not have the necessary X-ray machinery. Button batteries are especially dangerous and can burn through a child's esophagus in just 2 hours.
