FOUR in 10 parents are not confident they could spot the symptoms if their child swallowed a battery.
A poll of 1,000 parents with kids aged 11 and under revealed that 11 per cent couldn’t name a single side effect.
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Coughing was recognised as a symptom by 50 per cent, while 49 per cent identified difficulty breathing and 48 per cent highlighted vomiting.
However, only 11 per cent identified swollen ankles or feet as an indicator, while 14 per cent mentioned muscle cramps – with 17 per cent aware of slurred speech.
Despite the significant risk, 63 per cent of parents worry they have not done enough in their home to reduce the likelihood of their little ones swallowing a battery.
34 per cent said they rarely check toys for choking hazards like coin batteries, which are found in common household items like remote controls, toys and key fobs.
And as many as 54 per cent admitted their child has ingested something they shouldn’t have.
The research was commissioned by Energizer, which has launched the world’s first lithium coin battery equipped with three levels of child protection – including ‘Colour Alert technology’, a feature that instantly dyes the mouth if the battery comes into contact with saliva.
In addition to tougher, harder-to-open packaging, the cell now has a non-toxic bitter coating to discourage swallowing.
The brand has teamed up with Dr. Emily MacDonagh, a mum-of-three, to offer five tips on how to protect children at home during the summer holidays and beyond.
She said: “A full six weeks of keeping kids entertained can feel quite daunting in itself, even without the added concerns of whether we are doing enough to help keep our kids safe from the little batteries in their toys.
“But there are some quick and easy things we can all do to maximise the safety of our homes.
“From picking batteries from a company that looks after both our kids’ toys and our kids themselves, to ensuring we’re storing batteries away safely outside of use, these small home hacks help to offer that extra peace of mind for summer holiday fun at home.”
One of her tips for parents is to know the symptoms and what to do in an emergency.
She notes that key indicators like coughing, drooling and difficulty swallowing are often overlooked.
Other lesser-known side effects include slurred speech, blood in stools or a weak appetite.
It comes as another study of 2000 mums and dads revealed that 54 per cent were worried about their child’s mental health over the summer holidays – and just as many fear for their own.
The survey, by charity Sport in Mind, revealed that rising childcare costs, lack of support and the pressures of juggling work and parenting are pushing many to breaking point.
Sport in Mind is delivering free sessions via the Holiday Activities Programme – a government-funded scheme helping children stay active and engaged during school breaks as well as free youth journals.
A Sport in Mind youth participant said: “Coming to Sport in Mind sessions gets me active and out of the house.
“At home, there’s no one to play with, but here I can try new sports and activities. I also get to meet people from my school and make new friends.”
DR EMILY’S TOP FIVE HOME SAFETY TIPS
1. STORE SECURELY
When not in use, it’s important to keep batteries sealed in childproof containers and stored out of reach from small, curious fingers. When disposing of batteries, they should also be kept in a sealed container and disposed of safely at a local recycling point.
2. KEEP AN EYE ON TOYS AND DEVICES
Caregivers should be regularly checking children’s toys and devices to make sure battery covers are secure, haven’t been tampered with or aren’t showing signs of wear and tear – toys and devices with screwed or latched battery compartments are the best.
3. AVOID MIXING BATTERY TYPES
As tempting as it can be when switching coin batteries, avoid just grabbing any old replacement. Batteries from different brands, at different ages, and with different capacities or charge levels shouldn’t be mixed. Check which battery is the correct one for your device.
4. BATTERY SAFETY FIRST
Coin batteries are a common type of battery used all over the house – from remote controls to toys and key fobs. As these batteries tend to be quite small and extremely common, it’s best to use ones with safety features built in to reduce the risk of ingestion or to immediately show if they have been accidentally swallowed.
5. FAMILIARISE YOURSELF WITH THE SYMPTOMS OF INGESTION AND WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
Symptoms like coughing, drooling, difficulty swallowing or breathing and vomiting, are potential indicators. Also look out for lesser-known side effects, such as blood in stools, a hoarse voice, a weakened appetite, slurred speech, muscle cramps and swollen feet or ankles.
