Batteries and magnets

Toys that use button batteries are required by law to have lockable battery compartments. You should check toys regularly to ensure these compartments are safe and have not become damaged or loose.  Older toys may not follow the regulations so beware.  

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Button batteries are small flat circular batteries that are used to power many objects around the home including:  

• Toys  

• Remote controls  

• Car keys  

• Musical greetings cards  

• Small electronic devices such as calculators and weighing scales.   

Button batteries are extremely dangerous to children if swallowed.  These batteries can do serious internal damage. When combined with saliva, the electrical current from the battery produces caustic soda.  This can burn through the throat or stomach and cause further damage to other internal organs.  

Find out what a button battery can do to a child’s throat.  

Some symptoms to look out for if you think your child may have swallowed a button battery:  

• Breathing difficulties  

• Generally unwell  

• Developing a cough, gag or drooling a lot  

• Appearing to have a stomach upset or a virus  

• Being sick  

• Pointing to their throat or stomach  

• Complain of a pain in their throat, chest, or tummy   

• Tired   

• Quieter or more clingy than usual   

• Losing their appetite or reduced appetite  

• Not wanting or able to eat solid food  

If you suspect your child has swallowed a button battery you should take them to your nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) department as quickly as possible.  

Throw away old batteries carefully by using the collection boxes in many shops. Flat or dead batteries can still cause injury.  

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Supervise your child and keep small children away from magnets. If your child swallows a magnet, it could cause choking.  In some cases, swallowing a magnet can also result in surgery to remove the magnet.   

Should a child swallow a magnet, please seek medical advice immediately.  Magnets can cause serious injury particularly if more than one is swallowed.  They can become separated and block the digestive system.