Daniil Kaloshin, a clinical psychologist at the Vozrozhdenie center, spoke on Radio 1 about safeguarding children from swallowing construction debris and other nonfood objects. He urged parents to scrutinize the toys they choose for their children, emphasizing that what looks like a simple plaything can pose unexpected risks if it contains small parts. Kaloshin pointed to the mismatch that sometimes appears between a toy’s complexity and a child’s age, noting that construction sets with tiny components can tempt a one-year-old to mouth and potentially ingest them.
He stressed the need for vigilant supervision and pointed out that setting clear rules for a one-year-old’s play is challenging. Because toddlers act quickly and curiosity drives many actions, caregivers should stay within arm’s reach and continuously observe what the child handles. Parents are advised to choose age-appropriate toys and to inspect items for loose pieces that could come apart during play, as these can become choking hazards or cause internal injuries if swallowed.
Across the region, there have been alarming cases involving foreign objects swallowed by children. In October of last year, surgeons near Moscow responded to an emergency in Ramenskoye where a child ingested more than a dozen small objects. The episode began with a fever that – according to family reports – rose gradually, but medical consultation was delayed for several days. Upon arrival at the hospital, clinicians diagnosed an infectious-toxic shock and classified the patient’s condition as serious.
Medical imaging revealed a stomach loaded with magnets. An operative procedure lasting two hours successfully removed the 15 tiny magnets, highlighting the critical risks associated with swallowing even seemingly harmless items. The professionals involved underscored that rapid medical evaluation and intervention are essential in such situations to prevent complications that can escalate quickly, including infection, obstruction, or internal damage.
Another incident from Nizhny Novgorod involved a baby who chewed on or loosened a pin, illustrating how small hardware or hardware-like components found in everyday settings can present danger to very young children. This underscores the broader message: prevention starts with careful selection of toys, prudent storage of small pieces, and ongoing supervision to reduce the likelihood of accidental ingestion. Parents and caregivers should also learn to recognize warning signs that may accompany swallowed objects, such as persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, fever without an obvious source, trouble feeding, or signs of dehydration. When any of these appear, seeking prompt medical assessment is essential.
Educational efforts like the discussion on Radio 1 aim to equip families with practical strategies. These include routinely inspecting toy packaging for age recommendations, securely storing small parts out of reach, and engaging in interactive play that prioritizes safety without sacrificing curiosity. In addition, caregivers can create a simple, repeatable habit: after each play session, perform a quick sweep to ensure no small components have become separated and could pose a risk during the next use. This proactive approach helps reduce the chance of accidental ingestion and supports healthier, safer play environments for children.
Experts advise families to be mindful of magnets and other tiny elements commonly found in modern toys and gadgets. Even items that seem inconsequential can become dangerous if they are accessible, broken, or swallowed. By keeping an eye on what children handle, choosing safer toy designs, and maintaining a consistent, watchful presence, parents can lower the probability of emergencies that require emergency rooms or surgical care. Communities benefit when caregivers share experiences and practical tips that reinforce safe play practices for children of all ages, especially those just learning to manipulate objects with growing independence.
Ultimately, the goal is to create playful environments that nurture exploration while minimizing risk. Proper toy selection, vigilant supervision, prompt medical attention when needed, and open conversations about safety with children can together form a strong framework for preventing ingestive accidents. The cases cited from Ramenskoye and Nizhny Novgorod serve as sobering reminders that prevention and awareness are essential components of child health and well-being, both for families and healthcare professionals who support them.