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Toddlers and Magnets: A Dangerous Attraction

Why Are Some Magnetic Toys Being Recalled?

By Lisa A. Goldstein

• Keep products with magnets out of environments where children less than 6 years of age are playing, and be aware of the risks if ingested.
• If you suspect a child has ingested a magnet, seek health care promptly.
• Caregivers should also be aware that children might be reluctant to admit ingestion or might be unable to describe what they have ingested.
• All caregivers should be trained in the simple, yet life-saving, Heimlich maneuver and CPR.

Regularly reviewing the condition of toys and taking away those that are worn or pose a threat is also a good way to prevent incidents, says Dr. Bob Connors, president of Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich., and a practicing pediatric surgeon.

Ultimately, following the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will go a long way: Magnetic toys or other products with magnets should be kept out of environments of children less than 6 years of age. Even after 6 years of age, children should be supervised when playing with magnetic toys.

Children with developmental delays are at high risk of aspiration or ingestion of foreign bodies and should never be allowed to play with magnetic toys, Dr. Reznik says.