Toddlers put everything in their mouths so, it’s important that you know what to do if they swallow something they’re not supposed to.
 
All parents know that a toddler will put anything in their mouths; toys, rocks, even dog treats. If your toddler swallows an object that seems to have gone done without a problem, they will probably be must find once they pass the object in their stool. You should keep an eye on them until that happens and seek medical attention if she starts to vomit, drools, has a fever, coughs, wheezes, or refuses to eat. Chances are, if you don’t see these symptoms right away, your toddler will pass the object within a few days.
 
When a toddler swallows an object that is sharp, they need to be seen by a doctor right away. Objects such as a coin or a stick may have to be removed even if it did seem to go down without a problem. A sharp object could cause damage if it were allowed to pass through the intestines.
If your toddler swallows an object and is choking on it, here’s what to do:
 
Let your toddler cough if she can. Coughing can release the object.
If your child is struggling to breathe, turning blue, or not making sounds, start emergency care (see below) while someone else calls for help. If you are alone, provide emergency care for two minutes, and then stop to call for help.
 
Emergency care for a toddler that is choking:
 
Step 1 – Stand or kneel behind your child with one arm across the chest. Lean your child forward and with the heel of your hand, strike your child firmly between the shoulder blades. Repeat for a total of five times.
 
Step 2 – Wraps your arms around her waist and make a fist with one hand. Place the other hand over the fist. Place the fist above the navel and under the breastbone. Pull upward giving five thrusts to the abdomen.
 
Step 3 – If the first two steps do not dislodge the object, continue to alternate the back blows and the abdominal thrusts.
 
Step 4 – If the above steps do not dislodge the object, your child may pass out. If so, place her on her back and place the heel of your hand on the sternum or breastbone in the center of the chest. Interlock the fingers of the other hand on top of the first hand and lock your elbows. Compress the chest down several centimeters (about 1/3 the depth of the chest). Release the pressure and allow the chest to return to its former position. Repeat this action thirty (30) times.
Step 5 – Next, look into your child’s mouth to see if you can spot a foreign object. If so, remove the object.
 
Step 6 – If your child is still not breathing, tilt her head back and lift up on her chin to open her airway as much as possible. Listen for breath sounds by placing your ear above her mouth. Look at her chest to see if it is rising. If not, pinch the nose and place your mouth completely over her mouth and force air into her lungs until you see her chest rise. Do two breaths and then wait for the air to leave her lungs.
 
Step 7 – If your child’s chest does not go back to its former position, the air is not coming back out. Give 20 more compressions to her chest (step 4) and two breaths (step 6). Stop to look for the object in her mouth and throat periodically (step 5). Continue this cycle until your child is breathing or emergency workers arrive to take over.

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