How to protect your little ones from button and lithium coin batteries

As parents, ensuring the safety of our children is always a top priority. One hidden danger that many might overlook is the presence of button batteries in everyday household items. These small, coin-shaped batteries can pose serious risks if swallowed or inserted into the nose or ears.  

According to a study by Safe Kids Worldwide, battery-related emergency department visits have more than doubled in the last decade, with a child visiting the emergency room every 75 minutes. Here's what you need to know to keep your children safe. 

What are button and lithium coin batteries? 

While not exactly the same, button batteries and lithium coin batteries are both small, round batteries that power many household electronics, such as: 

• Watches 
• Remote controls 
• Flameless candles 
• Holiday decorations 
• Hearing aids 
• Car key fobs 

Many items for children like games, toys and flashing shoes may include these batteries as well. 

Why are they dangerous? 

If swallowed, button batteries can cause severe injuries. The chemicals inside can burn through tissue, leading to life-threatening situations. Even used batteries can be dangerous. 

Where might I find these batteries in my home? 

Button batteries can be found in various rooms and items throughout your home. Here's a room-by-room guide to help you identify potential hazards: 

• Entryway: Secure lithium coin batteries in wireless doorbells, home security devices and other objects found in your home's entryway.  
• Living Room: Make sure your child can’t get lithium coin batteries inside remote controls, electronic toys and device/item finders (like air tags.) 
• Bedroom: Check remote controls and decorative electronics like string lights in your bedroom. 
• Kitchen: Lithium coin batteries are found in items like kitchen scales, along with key fobs and device/item finders left on the counter. 
• Bathroom: Keep electronic thermometers up and away after use. Make sure children can't get ahold of lithium coin batteries in other items like bathroom scales. 

Safety tips for parents 

• Look around your home: Using the list above, check any areas of your home that may contain button or lithium coin batteries. Also check toys, games, lights and other household items. 
• Secure battery compartments: Ensure battery compartments are securely closed with screws. Avoid giving children toys if the battery compartment can be easily opened. 
• Store batteries safely: Keep all batteries out of sight and reach of children. Store them in a safe place, preferably up high. 
• Dispose of used batteries properly: Used batteries are still hazardous. Dispose of them immediately in designated battery drop-off bins. 
• Supervise children: Always watch children when they are using devices that contain batteries. 

Signs of a swallowed battery 

Symptoms of a swallowed battery can often mimic those of a common infection. Be aware of the symptoms that might indicate your child has swallowed a button battery: 

• Drooling 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Fever 
• Coughing or breathing problems 
• Belly pain 
• Dark or bloody stool 
• Fussiness or refusal to eat 

What to do in an emergency 

If you suspect your child has swallowed a button battery, it’s important to act quickly: 

• Do not induce vomiting: Avoid making your child throw up, as this can cause further injury. 
• Go to the ER immediately: A swallowed button battery is an emergency. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. 
• Give honey (if appropriate): If your child is over 12 months old and not allergic to honey, give 10 ml (2 teaspoons) of honey on the way to the ER, but only if the battery was likely swallowed within the past 12 hours. 
• Note: Honey is not to be given to children under 12 months old. 
• Call Poison Control: Contact Poison Control at 1(800) 222-1222, for guidance on your way to the hospital. 

Button batteries are a hidden hazard in many homes. By taking proactive steps to secure and store these batteries safely and knowing what to do in an emergency you can protect your children from serious harm. Stay vigilant and keep your home safe! 

Additional resources: 

• How Small Batteries Can Become Dangerous to Children  
• Lithium Coin Batteries: A Home Safety Walkthrough  
• What Parents Need to Know about Button Batteries and Lithium Coin Batteries  
• How can I protect my child from the dangers of lithium coin and button batteries?  
• Home Safety: Tips for Families With Young Children  
• How to Buy Safe Toys