Hidden dangers in toys by Stacey Cann

Beware the danger of button batteries

Stacey from Daisy First Aid Guildford & Redhill explains the little known danger lurking in your children’s toys this Christmas….

As Christmas approaches and you shop like crazy for your little ones, you may notice the amount of toys and baby accessories that have batteries these days!

As noisy, brightly coloured plastic fills your house, it is important to be aware of the dangers that lurk behind these items.

Why are they dangerous?

Small, flat, button batteries are not only a choking risk if swallowed, they also put your child at serious risk of burns and internal bleeding that in some cases have been fatal here in the UK.

If a button battery gets stuck in a child’s throat (or up a nose/in an ear for that matter), it can trigger an electrical charge that will burn and poison them from the inside. When giving off a charge internally, these batteries create caustic soda and become corrosive – think bleach and drain unblocked in terms of chemical reaction and strength.

This reaction burns through the throat internally, causing severe internal bleeding which is very difficult to treat and extremely dangerous. In 2014, 2 children in the UK died after swallowing a button battery due to internal bleeding.

Where can button batteries be found?

• Baby Walkers
• Watches
• Remote Controls
• Musical Cards
• Bath Toys
• Children’s Books
• Novelty Decorations
• Novelty Musical/Light Up Clothing
• Car Key Fobs
• Toys

On items that meet British Safety standards, button batteries are always inside a secure chamber that is screwed shut. Make sure that you check items before giving them to your children and also, check these battery chamber screws are still tight on a regular basis. Always keep button batteries out of the reach of children, including spare batteries that you have in the house.

What To Do If Swallowed…

If your baby or child does swallow a button battery, call 999 or take them to A&E immediately – even if they initially appear to be fine. Don’t try to make them sick and keep them nil by mouth until they have seen a medical professional. Don’t wait for any symptoms to develop, act immediately.

About Stacey:

Stacey is a mum, KalliKids Champion for Surrey and a qualified first aider, who runs KalliKids accredited Daisy First Aid Guildford & Redhill.

Daisy First Aid run 2 hour first aid classes in parent’s homes which focus on babies and children to give parents, grandparents and carers the skills and confidence to act fast in an accident or emergency situation. If you would like more information, visit www.daisyfirstaid.com or take a look at their KalliKids profile here to see what parents have to say

As a KalliKids Champion Stacey helps parents connect with KalliKids accredited activities in Surrey.To find out about KalliKids accredited activities in the Surrey area follow Stacey’s Facebook page. If you are an activity provider in Essex who would like to find out more about becoming KalliKids accredited you can contact Stacey here.