Button Batteries

“It turns out this is one of the most damaging and dangerous things that my beautiful boy could have ever swallowed. It does not get much worse than this.” - Mother of an 8 month-old baby boy

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

Magnets

High-strength magnets can burn through a child’s gut if they swallow them, causing life-threatening injuries - and doctors are seeing a worrying increase in the number of cases. Read our tips on how you can keep your child safe.
Are your used batteries really ‘flat’?

We may 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.
Mother’s plea after daughter dies swallowing button battery

The mother of two-year-old Harper-Lee Fanthorpe has issued a heartbroken plea to other parents, urging them to check their homes for button batteries.
Warning to parents after battery death of two-year-old

Staffordshire Safeguarding Children Board has issued a warning to parents after the death of a toddler who swallowed a button battery.

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.
Fact sheets

Bite-sized facts and safety tips on the main accident risks to children. Easy to read, use and share. Suitable for printing off, emailing, Whatsapp-ing or posting on social.
About Child Safety Week

Find out more about our theme and how you can get involved, download our Information Pack and meet our official supporters.
In-car safety

Most car accidents happen close to home. Child car seats can keep your child safe. But not every seat fits every car. And if a seat is fiddly to use, you may be tempted not bother with it on short journeys. Here are our top tips for choosing the best car seat for your child.
Falls

Falls are the most common cause of accidental injury to children. While most falls aren’t serious – active children often fall over – some falls can lead to death or long-term disability.
Burns and scalds

95% of all childhood burns and scalds happen at home. Most are caused in the day-to-day situations that many parents don’t anticipate, like children reaching for hot coffee or grabbing hair straighteners.
Parents

Our Parents Pack is full of quick wins that can help put you in charge of child safety, even when you’re feeling under pressure. Download your copy here.