Watch this demonstration video on what happens when a button battery is swallowed using a slice of ham (as an example of how it can affect the inside of a child's body). Video from Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
Button batteries are everywhere. They are found in remote controls, scales, calculators, singing or flashing greeting cards, watches, thermometers, decorations and flashing jewellery.
Take immediate action. Go straight to your nearest hospital emergency department if you think your child has swallowed a button battery, or put a button battery in their nose or ears.
Tell reception, doctors and nurses you think your child might have swallowed a button battery. Getting medical treatment straight away is very important.
Before arriving at the hospital emergency department, give your child 2 teaspoons (10 mL) of honey every 10 minutes - up to 6 doses. Do this only if it won't delay getting to the hospital.
Remember, it's very important to get to the hospital emergency department straightaway - without delay.
For babies under 12 months, there is a risk of honey causing botulism. For this reason, honey is usually no.t recommended for this age group. But, there is much greater risk of serious burns and damage from swallowing the button battery.
Don't give your child any other food or drink. It is best not to make them vomit.
If you have the identification number of the battery (found on the battery's pack), take it with you to hospital. This could be really helpful to the medical team.
Kids under 6 are at the greatest risk of injury from button batteries. The batteries look shiny and interesting to young children.
To keep your children safe:
This page last reviewed 14 November 2022.
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