17 unusual things button batteries are in
Eloise Hill
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Earlier this year, paediatricians from top hospitals in London published a letter in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, raising awareness of certain objects that can cause 'significant harm' when swallowed.
This came after experts saw a five-fold increase in the number of cases where children needed hospital treatment after swallowing button batteries, with more than 40% of cases resulting in surgery to remove the item.
Button batteries, also known as LR44 batteries, are particularly dangerous if swallowed. As well as the obvious choking risk, the battery's electrical current produces caustic soda when combined with saliva. This can burn through the stomach and throat, and damage internal organs.
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In June we reported that 2-year-old Harper-Lee Fanthorpe tragically died after swallowing a button battery froma TV remote. Her mum is now trying to raise awareness of the dangers they present to small children.
According to RoSPA, the Toys Safety Regulation requires any toys containing button batteries 'to have lockable battery compartments,' and advises parents to always check these are 'undamaged' and 'secure'. Guidance states: 'do not use toys that don’t have lockable compartments.'
Button batteries are everywhere in our homes and are often stored in places we'd never suspect. Here are 17 unusual items you probably didn't know contain them ...
17 unusual things button batteries are in
1. Fitness trackers
Your fitness tracker probably has a button battery stored inside.
When you're not wearing it on your wrist, be sure to store it well out of reach of small children.
2. Remote controls
Many remote controls contain button batteries, and the backs can often be easily removed by a child.
Harper-Lee Fanthorpe, 2, tragically died in May after swallowing a button battery from a TV remote control.
3. 3D glasses
The 3D glasses for your TV could contain a button battery.
In 2016, Francesca Asan, 2, died after swallowing one of these batteries from a pair of 3D TV glasses.
4. Robot bug toys
Hex Bugs are really popular with kids, but are powered by tiny button batteries.
They shouldn't be used by children under 3 due to their small parts.
5. Gaming headsets
If you have a gaming system at home, watch out for button batteries that might be stored in the headsets.
6. Car keys
Make sure you keep your car keys hung up well out of the reach of young children.
In 2017, Jane Killworth shared the story of her terrifying experience after her daughter swallowed a button battery from a pair of car keys as a two-year-old.
7. Key finders
As well as your keys, your key FINDER could even be powered by a button battery – so make sure to be extra vigilant with these.
8. Kitchen scales
You might think devices like kitchen scales are safe for small children to play with, but they could have button batteries hidden inside.
Make sure to keep them in a cupboard your child can't easily reach.
9. Light up fidget spinners
Fidget spinners are all the rage with kids, but light up ones have batteries inside too, so it's important to make sure you've bought yours from a reputable retailer.
Make sure the battery compartment is securely screwed on, or that it requires 'two independent or simultaneous movements' to remove the battery.
10. Bathroom scales
As well as kitchen scales, bathrooms scales may also be powered by button batteries.
In 2016, the BBC reported that Catharina Santos, 18 months, had a button battery 'burn through to her windpipe' after swallowing one she took out of some bathroom scales.
11. Digital thermometers
There's a good chance your thermometer contains a button battery, so be aware of this after you've taken your baby's temperature.
12. Robo fish toys
Many children's toys like Robo Fish are powered by button batteries.
This is one of the reasons why Robo Fish are not suitable for children under 3 years old.
13. Musical greeting cards
If you have a musical greeting card on your mantelpiece, the sound effect is powered by a button battery inside.
These are incredibly easy for children to get access to since the paper can be torn apart.
14. Light-up yo-yos
Yo yos are seemingly harmless toys, but light-up ones will have a button battery hidden inside.
15. Tea lights
Electric tea lights might seem like a safe option compared to real candles, but don't forget they contain button batteries inside.
Make sure you keep these as far away from little kids as real candles.
16. Light sabers
If you have a Star Wars fan at home, there's a good chance their toy light saber contains button batteries.
17. Flashing wands
Kids love flashing wand toys, however, they're another toy that often contain button batteries and don't tend to have secured compartments.
Make sure you keep all those 'risky' items in a baby-proofed cupboard for keeping little hands away. These top-selling magnetic cupboard locks can be installed in seconds on cupboards, cabinets and drawers and come as a set of 10. See more details at Amazon.
