Mum’s harrowing warning after two-year-old son swallowed small magnetic toy

A two-year boy had holes in his digestive system after swallowing a popular toy, prompting his mum to issue a harrowing warning.

A Sydney mum has recounted her two-year-old’s harrowing health scare after a small toy corroded holes in his digestive system.

The innocent-looking multi-coloured tiny magnetic balls forced Bree Davis’ youngest son Franklin to undergo surgery after swallowing them.

She told 7News the toy had been keeping her three boys entertained for weeks after they found it at a Northern Beaches park.

But things took a dark turn when Franklin stopped eating and drinking, complained of a sore stomach and started vomiting every 30 minutes.

The small magnetic balls that Franklin swallowed. Picture: Instagram/bree_crawford

The family’s initials fears of gastro proved to be much worse after the two-year-old had been to the ER three times in one week.

On his fourth visit, which was actually for a split lip, Franklin said his stomach was hurting once again.

Doctors decided to perform keyhole surgery to inspect the abdominal area, where they made a shocking discovery, Ms Davis explained on Instagram.

Franklin had swallowed 22 of the magnetic balls, which were located in his small intestine, bowel and digestive tract.

What was meant to be a one-hour surgery quickly turned into three, with doctors removing all of the balls.

The 22 magnetic balls that were removed from Franklin's body. Picture: Instagram/bree_crawford

Their magnetic force was so strong that they had been trying to join together in Franklin’s body, digging into his organs and causing two holes in his digestive system.

Ms Davis said she had no idea of the danger the toy posed.

She took to Instagram to post a photo of her son alongside a caption which explained how the toys had “done a lot of damage” to his bowel and intestines.

“Any parents with young kids, if you have these in your home get rid of them,” she wrote.

A few days later she posted another series of images of Franklin saying he was doing well and was eating solid food again.

She praised staff at the hospital for treating her son so quickly.

“We are looking forward to coming home,” Ms Davis said.