Dangers of Button Batteries

These small, shiny, coin-like batteries might be enticing to kids, but they can be incredibly dangerous when consumed. Not only do they pose a choking hazard but, once swallowed, the battery begins to conduct an electric current that can burn tissues that line the throat and stomach within only a few hours.

Button batteries can be found in many daily household products, from watches and key fobs to remote controls and flashlights. Kids’ toys and games often contain button batteries, as do light-up shoes or clothing. They are also used in items we may not think about, such as flameless candles, hearing aids, digital scales, and musical greeting cards. It’s important to know what items contain these batteries to keep children safer.

Since many parents and caregivers don’t see their child access or swallow a button battery, taking steps to prevent kids from accessing button batteries is crucial.

1. Out of sight and out of reach: Store items that use button batteries and spare batteries in high, secure places, ideally in locked cabinets or containers.
2. Secure battery compartments: Choose toys and items with secure battery compartments, such as those requiring a screwdriver to open. Be sure to check these compartments over time to ensure the compartment stays secure after regular use.
3. Proper disposal: When replacing batteries, dispose of old batteries safely through battery and electronic recycling programs or retailers with take-back services. Store them up, away, and out of sight in the meantime as old batteries still pose a risk to young kids.
4. Safer battery options: Consider replacing old batteries with safer options, such as button batteries specially made with a bitter coating to deter ingestions, or others that turn tongues blue when swallowed.
5. Talk with caregivers: Make sure caregivers, family members, and friends are aware of the dangers of button batteries to keep your children safe in other places they might visit.

Kids who swallow button batteries may be drooling or coughing, or have a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, change in voice, or refusal to eat or drink. 

If you think your child may have swallowed a button battery, take them to the closest emergency department right away. Don’t wait for symptoms to develop. If your child is older than 12 months, you can give two teaspoons of honey every 10 minutes up to 6 times to minimize tissue damage on your way to the hospital. If you don’t have honey available or your child will not eat the honey, don’t delay seeking care at the closest emergency department.

Button batteries are small but powerful, so it is important to act fast if you think your child has swallowed one. 

To learn more about button battery safety join Trainees for Child Injury Prevention (T4CIP) for a Day of Action on May 21, 2025 by following the hashtag #ButtonBatterySafety on social media and participating in a webinar with child injury experts from 1-2 p.m. Register for the webinar here.