'Be extra careful' - Parents warned to keep kids away from certain batteries this Christmas

Parents are being warned to keep children away from certain types of batteries this Christmas. 

According to the HSE, which yesterday (December 11) released a safety advisory notice ahead of the Christmas period, families should be cautious when handling batteries, particularly button batteries, which can result in serious harm if children chew on or swallow them. 

Button batteries - which are small batteries that look like coins - can be found in musical cards and books, novelty decorations like singing santas or Christmas ornaments that light up, flameless candles and other small electronic devices. 

Children can choke on them and, if swallowed, can seriously burn their insides. 

The HSE offers the following advice: "Make sure all battery compartments on toys and other items are secure and cannot be opened by your child. Be extra careful with things that do not have locked battery compartments. 

"If you think your child may have swallowed a button battery, take them immediately to your nearest hospital emergency department.

"You can give a child over 1 year of age 2 teaspoons of honey if they have swallowed a button battery. This can protect the oesophagus from injury before the battery is removed in the hospital. Only do this if they can swallow. Do not delay bringing them to hospital." 

Other HSE advice includes getting vaccinated, supervising children so they don't access poisons such as alcohol or cleaning products, and protecting newborn babies with clean hands and by avoiding kisses if you have a cold, cough or cold sore. 

The HSE also recommends being aware of the type of toys which are safe for your child's age and developmental stage. 

Toys should be in good condition with the CE quality mark, and should not contain magnets, strings, or, for children under the age of 3, small round objects which could block a child's airway (such as marbles, beads, coins, marker caps and bottle tops). 

For more information, click here. 

Photo: Stock/Pixabay