Last updated by ruth.salter@essex.gov.uk on Monday, June 2, 2025

Button batteries can badly hurt or kill a small child. If they swallow one and it gets stuck in their food pipe it can burn through the tissue and cause life-altering injuries or death.

But far too many parents simply don’t know about the dangers or the wide range of products powered by them.

Take a look at the Child Accident Prevention Trust website for resources to share with families. They outline five top tips to keep young children safe.

Look - Look around your home for button batteries. Think toys, lights, remote controls and more.

Check - Check for products with loose backs and button batteries that have dropped out.

Store - Store button batteries in a safe place, up high and out of your child’s reach.

Dispose - Dispose of used button batteries as soon as you can. They are still unsafe.

Act - If you think your child may have swallowed a button battery, go straight to A&E or call an ambulance.