Many early educators are aware of the ways infants and toddlers explore the world around them, this typically includes mouthing objects. While developmentally appropriate, some objects or toys in the classroom can pose a significant risk to a child’s health if they contain button batteries.
Button or coin-shaped batteries power many things (devices) we use every day. Examples include key fobs, remote controls, toys, games, light up shoes, and talking books. Since they are little, you may not easily see when they fall out of a device. A child can pick up, swallow, or put them in their nose or ear before you know. A button battery or any battery in the body can cause life-threatening injury. The most serious damage happens if the child swallows it. A battery that is stuck in the esophagus (the food pipe or tube that connects the throat to the stomach), can cause serious damage to tissue inside the body in as little as 2 hours.
Signs and Symptoms of ingesting button batteries:
- Fever
- Not wanting to eat or drink
- Irritability
- Wheezing, difficulty breathing, coughing
- Throat pain
- Choking, gagging, problems swallowing, or vomiting
Actions to take if a child ingests a button battery
If you think a child has swallowed or put a button battery in their nose or ear, go to the nearest emergency department (ED) right away. Every minute counts
If the child is over 12 months old and you think they swallowed a button battery in the last 12 hours, you can give them 2 teaspoons of honey before taking them to the ED. Repeat this up to 5 more times. Wait 10 minutes between each dose of honey. Stop if your child vomits or cannot swallow. Do not delay going to the hospital to obtain honey.
- Do NOT make the child vomit or let them eat or drink.
- The child will typically get an X-ray to show if and where a battery is in the body.
- A button battery stuck in the nose, ear, or esophagus must be removed as soon as possible to prevent further injury.
To ensure the children in your care are as safe as possible, please be aware of any toys that have these types of batteries. If possible, avoid buying such items for the classroom, or check these items frequently for damage, loose screws, or issues with the battery compartment.
For more information, call the National Battery Ingestion Hotline at 800-498-8666.
Written by Kelly Felice
Source Citation:
Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “Button Battery Safety.” Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 2012, www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-safety-resources/helping-hands/button-battery-safety. Accessed December 2019.
