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)
Key points about button battery dangers for children
- if you think your child has swallowed a button battery or put one in their nostril or ear, take immediate action - go straight to the hospital
- 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
Where are button batteries found?
Button batteries are everywhere. They are found in:
- remote controls
- scales
- calculators
- singing or flashing greeting cards
- watches
- thermometers
- decorations
- flashing jewellery
What to do if your child swallows a button battery
Go straight to hospital
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.
Honey can help
Before arriving at the hospital, for tamariki over 12 months who have swallowed a button battery, give your child 2 teaspoons (10mL) of honey, every 10 minutes (up to 6 doses).
Remember, it's very important to get to the hospital emergency department straightaway - without delay.
Don't give your child any other food or drink. It is best not to make them vomit.
Know the battery ID number?
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.
How to keep kids safe from button battery injuries
Kids 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 babies and small tamariki, and 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.
