You want to keep your child safe, which is why you’ve done your best to safety-proof your home. But while some dangers are easy to spot – from  the sharp corners of tables to the slippery bottom of the bath – others are harder to see.

Button batteries, small toy parts and magnets are just some of the things that, if swallowed, can cause serious injuries and even death. And they’re found in homes everywhere, often hiding in plain sight in remote controls or your child’s favourite toys.

The Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) has launched a new campaign to highlight the dangers of these everyday items. And it’s essential advice for you, and anyone who looks after your kids, especially as one hospital revealed the number of children needing treatment after swallowing small objects had doubled during lockdown.

Here’s a round-up of some of the most dangerous objects in your home that could be swallowed by kids, along with essential advice on what to do if it happens.

1. Button batteries

From your toddler’s cute talking teddy to your car key fob, button batteries are used in all sorts of everyday items. But they are incredibly dangerous if swallowed, and can be fatal. That’s because the battery reacts with bodily fluids and then releases a strong substance that can burn through body tissue.

To stay safe, do a scan of your home to look for toys and other items that have button batteries. Check to make sure your child can’t get the batteries out: the battery compartment in your child’s toys should be secured so that children can't get to the battery. If it’s not, OPSS recommends putting these toys somewhere your child can’t reach. Make sure any spare batteries are also kept well away from little hands.

What should I do if my child swallows a button battery?

If you think your child has swallowed a button battery, you’ll need to act quickly. Advice from Great Ormond Street children’s hospital is to take them straight to A&E.

Don’t give them anything to eat or drink or try and make them sick as it could be dangerous if they throw the battery back up. Doctors will usually x-ray your child to find the button battery and then try and remove it under general anaesthetic.

2. Magnets

Magnets are also very dangerous if they’re swallowed. That’s because they can join together and tear holes inside your child’s body. As such it’s important to keep anything containing magnets away from your little one.

As with button batteries, check round your home to see what items might contain magnets. They’re often found in magnetic construction toys, adult desk toys, drink charms, fake piercings and jewellery-making kits. The Child Accident Prevention Trust also warns that magnets are often found in cheap products bought from online marketplaces, and these can be 10 times stronger than is safe.

Keep these items well away from your child and only buy toys from brand names you know or from reputable websites. That way you’ll know they meet UK safety standards. If you have older children, make sure they know to keep magnets away from their younger brother or sister. 

What should I do if my child swallows a magnet?

As with button batteries, you need to get immediate help for your child. Take them straight to A&E or phone 999. Doctors can then scan your child to find the magnets and remove them.

If your child is too little to tell you what they’ve swallowed, always trust your instincts. If you think they may have swallowed a magnet, take them to A&E.

3. Small toy parts

Kids love to explore, and that includes putting their toys – and whatever else they can get their hands on – in their mouths. 

That’s why it’s so important to make sure what is within reach isn’t small enough to be swallowed. Avoid toys with small parts and always read the warnings and age restrictions on each toy before you buy. If grandparents or friends give your child toys that you think aren’t suitable, put them away until they’re old enough to safely play with them.

What should I do if my child swallows a small toy part?

If you’re sure they haven’t swallowed a battery, magnet or anything else that can cause serious internal damage, you don’t necessarily need to go straight to A&E. Call your GP or 111 if your child seems happy and let them know what you think they’ve swallowed. They'll then advise you on what you should do next.

If your child has any tummy pain, is being sick or has blood in their poo then head straight to A&E. If they’re choking, call 999 immediately and try and clear whatever is blocking their throat. The NHS has step-by-step advice for doing this safely.

4. Imitation food

From pretend cafes to teddy tea parties, children love imaginative play. And while it's great for their development, you want them to stay safe.

That's why it's important to watch out for them playing with items that look like food that they may pop in their mouths. This includes magnets and erasers that look like ice creams, fruit or other types of food.

What should I do if my child swallows imitation food?

As before, make sure they haven't swallowed a battery or magnet or anything else that can cause serious harm. (And if they have, take them straight to A&E).

When you've ruled this out, and if they seem okay, call your GP or 111 for more advice as above.

5. Cleaning products

Another everyday item that can be dangerous for kids is cleaning products. From bleaches to laundry capsules, they can be poisonous if swallowed.

Always keep your cleaning products somewhere your child can’t reach. If you’re using capsules or tablets for your washing, make sure these are stored up high and in containers with safety locks.

What should I do if my child swallows cleaning products?

If your child is old enough, ask them to show you what they’ve swallowed and then call 999. The emergency services will want to know what substance your child has eaten or drunk. They'll then send an ambulance or ask you to take your child straight to A&E. 

Don’t try and make your child throw up as this could cause more damage. The Red Cross has essential advice on how to help your baby or child if they’ve swallowed a harmful substance.

6. Plants and berries

Summer is on its way, which means playtime in the garden. And while this is great fun, your child might do their own exploring by putting plants and berries in their mouths.

If you have grandparents or friends looking after your child, make sure they know to keep an eye on them at all times. The Royal Horticultural Society also recommends teaching your child that plants, leaves, flowers and seeds shouldn’t be eaten. It’s a good idea to check the label on any plants you buy to make sure they’re not toxic and are safe to be in your garden.  

What should I do if my child swallows plants and berries?

If you think your child has eaten something in the garden that could be poisonous, take them straight to A&E or call 999. Take a piece of the plant, or whatever they've eaten, with you so doctors can try and work out what your child may have swallowed.

Don’t try and make your child sick as this could cause more damage.