Key points about button battery dangers for children
If you think your child has swallowed a button battery - go to hospital immediately.
- if you think your child has but a button battery in their mouth, nose or ear - go to hospital immediately
- button batteries are very dangerous for tamariki if they swallow one or put one in their ear or nostril
- if a child swallows or puts a button battery in their nose or ears, it can cause severe burns and damage within 2 hours
A demonstration video on what happens when a button battery is ingested using a slice of ham as an example.
Source: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
Where are button batteries found?
Button batteries are everywhere. You can find them in:
- toys
- remote controls
- scales
- calculators
- singing or flashing greeting cards
- watches
- thermometers
- flashing jewellery and wristbands
What to do if your child swallows a button battery
Go straight to hospital
Take immediate action. Go straight to the nearest hospital emergency department if you think your child has:
- swallowed a button battery
- put a button battery in their nose
- put a button battery in their ears
Tell the staff you think your child might have swallowed a button battery. Getting medical treatment straight away is very important.
Always treat this as an emergency. Tamariki who have swallowed a button battery may seem fine at first or look like they have a common illness.
Honey can help
If your child is over 12 months and has swallowed a button battery, give them 2 teaspoons (10mL) of honey. Do this before you reach the hospital. Repeat this every 10 minutes, up to 6 times.
Remember, it's very important to get to the hospital emergency department straight away - without delay.
Don't give your child any other food or drink. It’s best not to make them vomit.
Know the battery identification number?
If you have the identification number of the battery,take it with you. You can find the identification number on the battery packet. This could be really helpful to the medical team.
How to keep kids safe from button battery injuries
Tamariki under 6 are at the greatest risk of injury from button batteries. The batteries look shiny and interesting to young tamariki.
To keep your tamariki safe:
- search your home, and any place your child goes, for gadgets that may contain button batteries
- keep button battery-controlled devices out of sight and reach of pēpi (babies) and tamariki
- keep loose batteries locked away
Share this life-saving information with caregivers, friends, family and whānau.
Healthline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 611 116. Call Healthline if you need advice about a child of any age who is unwell, hurt, or has any symptoms of sickness. It's free to callers throughout New Zealand, including from a mobile phone.
