Button Batteries

‘Flat’ button batteries dangers

Used, 'flat' lithium coin cell batteries can still cause serious damage to a child's food pipe if swallowed. Help us spread the word. Read more

A treasure hunt for grown-ups #BatteryHunt

Most parents don’t know about the dangers or where batteries are in their homes, so they can’t keep their children safe. That’s why we’re launching a Button Battery Treasure Hunt. Read more

Latest

‘Flat’ button batteries

Most of us think that, when a battery stops powering a product, it must have no power left and be ‘flat’.

Are your used batteries really ‘flat’?

We think ‘flat’ button batteries are harmless. But ‘flat’ lithium coin cell batteries can still hold enough power to cause serious damage if swallowed, even when they are too flat to work.

Magnetic toys – a warning to parents

The worrying case of a three-year-old highlights a disturbing trend in serious injuries from children swallowing small, round, coloured magnets from magnetic toys.

For young children, there is a real risk of drowning in the home or garden, including neighbours’ gardens. As they get older, the risks are associated more with children exploring and challenging themselves around water.

Child Safety Week is here!

Do you work with families? Download our free safety advice to share far and wide. We’ve got fact sheets, articles and activity sheets as well as our hugely popular Parents Pack.

Button batteries

Button batteries, particularly big, powerful lithium coin cell batteries, can badly hurt or kill a small child if they swallow one and it gets stuck in their food pipe. Find out how to keep children safe.

Why are grapes so dangerous?

Doctors have issued a stark warning that young children can choke to death on whole grapes.

Making sense of accidents

Many accidents are a part of growing up. Children need to explore and experiment. But some children suffer the pain of serious accidents that can alter the course of their lives forever. Most of these serious accidents are completely preventable by making simple solutions or changes to routines.

Choking

Each day around 40 under-5s are rushed to hospital after choking on something, or swallowing something dangerous. Be particularly aware of sweet items such as mini eggs around Easter time - these are exactly the same size as a toddler's airway.

In-car safety

In-car safety can be a confusing area for parents and carers. You may find that you're not completely clear about the law, are unsure of the safest way for a child to travel, aren't using the most appropriate restraint or have badly fitting child car seats or booster seats which put a child at risk.