As the holiday season approaches, parents and caregivers are busy checking their shopping lists and preparing for the excitement of toys, and gift-giving. However, amid the joy of the season, there’s a growing concern among pediatric experts about the risks some toys, gifts, and household items pose to young children. Doctors say that while many toys may seem harmless, certain items can cause serious injuries and even send children to the emergency room during the holidays.
Dr. Robert Kramer, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado, highlighted the seasonal spike in emergency room visits due to toy-related accidents. “We do see a rise during the holidays, but it’s important to be vigilant year-round,” Dr. Kramer said. “Parents need to be aware of the toys and accessories that could endanger small children, especially when they are gifted or left in easy-to-reach places.”
As families prepare for holiday celebrations, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential dangers posed by some of the most common yet unassuming items found in homes during this time of year. Here’s a closer look at some of the top culprits that could put children at risk.
1. Button Batteries Toys And Gifts: A Hidden Danger
One of the most common hazards during the holiday season is button cell batteries. These small, dime-sized discs are often found in toys, key fobs, hearing aids, musical cards, and even flameless candles. Despite their convenience, button batteries are extremely dangerous if swallowed, especially for small children.
“The problem is that these batteries can be found in so many household items,” said Dr. Kramer. “They are easy to access and can be deadly if ingested.”
Button batteries and their lithium counterparts, often referred to as coin cell batteries, pose a serious risk if they get lodged in a child’s throat. When swallowed, the saliva inside a child’s mouth can trigger an electric current that causes a chemical burn, damaging the esophagus. The burn can occur within hours of ingestion and result in severe injury, such as a perforated esophagus, vocal cord paralysis, or even airway erosion.
A 2022 study found that over 70,000 children in the U.S. were taken to the emergency room for swallowing batteries in the past decade. Of those, more than 85% were under the age of 5, and button batteries accounted for nearly 85% of the incidents.
According to Dr. Kramer, if a child swallows a button battery, parents should immediately give them two teaspoons of honey every 10 minutes on their way to the hospital. Honey can help coat the throat and reduce the severity of the burn. However, honey should not be given to children under 1 due to the rare risk of botulism. For older children, it can be a life-saving measure while parents rush to seek medical help.
2. Powerful Magnets: Small Yet Dangerous
Small, powerful magnets are often marketed to adults in the form of desk toys, stackable objects, and jewelry for piercings. While these items are intended for older users, children can still come into contact with them. Magnets are typically made of neodymium, which is up to five times stronger than a regular magnet.
“If a child swallows one of these magnets, it’s a serious health emergency,” explained Dr. Kramer. “The magnets can attract to one another inside the body, potentially causing severe internal damage.”
The magnets can attract and pull toward each other through the walls of the digestive tract, causing organs to become pinched or perforated. This can lead to bowel obstructions or tears in the intestines, which may require surgery to resolve. In some cases, children may need multiple surgeries to remove magnets and repair damage.
Between 2009 and 2011, there were around 1,700 reported cases of children swallowing powerful magnets, according to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission data. If magnets are ingested, parents should seek immediate medical attention, as the effects can be deadly if not treated promptly.
3. Water Beads: A Growing Threat
Water beads—small, colorful spheres that expand in water—have become popular toys for young children. These gel-like beads, which are typically marketed as stress relievers or sensory toys, can expand to more than 100 times their size when soaked in water. Though they are often marketed as non-toxic, they pose significant risks if ingested by children.
“These beads may look like little gummies or candy, which makes them appealing to young children,” said Dr. Kramer. “But if swallowed, they can grow inside the digestive system and cause serious blockages.”
When water beads enter the digestive tract, they can absorb fluid and expand, leading to painful blockages. The small intestine, being the narrowest part of the digestive system, is particularly vulnerable to this type of obstruction. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove part of the bowel, which could have long-term consequences for the child’s health and digestion.
Between 2016 and 2022, over 7,800 children were taken to the emergency room after ingesting water beads. Parents are advised to keep these toys away from young children and watch for any signs of bowel obstruction, such as stomach pain, vomiting, and difficulty eating.
4. Glass Ornaments, Tree Lights, and Tinsel: Hidden Choking Hazards
Decorative holiday items such as glass ornaments, tree lights, and tinsel can be dangerous for curious toddlers and infants. Glass ornaments can break and pose a choking or cutting hazard if chewed or swallowed. Even plastic LED lights can be dangerous if ingested, as they can cause internal injuries to the digestive system.
“Sharp objects like broken glass can cause perforations in the intestines, which could lead to serious infections like sepsis,” said Dr. Kramer. “If a child swallows a small item like a piece of tree light or ornament, it’s critical to get medical attention immediately.”
Tinsel and decorative strings, often used to embellish Christmas trees and mantels, also present a choking and strangulation risk. Children may be tempted to put these items in their mouths, and the long, thin strands can become lodged in the throat, causing suffocation.
Dr. Chris Ford, an emergency physician and spokesperson for the American College of Emergency Physicians, stresses the importance of planning ahead during the holidays. “Parents should make sure that decorations, like tinsel and ornaments, are out of reach of young children,” he said. “And be especially cautious if you have a baby who is crawling or exploring the tree area.”
5. Preventing Accidents: Vigilance is Key
While certain holiday items and toys may seem harmless, they can quickly turn into dangerous hazards for children. Dr. Kramer and other experts urge parents to always be vigilant and mindful of what is accessible to young children, especially during the holiday season when gifts and decorations abound.
“Ensure that toys are age-appropriate and always supervise young children when they’re around toys intended for older kids,” said Dr. Ford. “And keep small, potentially dangerous items like batteries, magnets, and water beads out of reach.”
Parents should also make it a habit to regularly check their children’s toys and play areas for potential hazards. Small, easily accessible objects like batteries, magnets, and small choking hazards can often be found in everyday household items, so being proactive in childproofing the home is key to keeping kids safe.
A Safe and Joyful Holiday Season
While the holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, parents must remain vigilant when it comes to the safety of their children. By keeping an eye out for the common holiday hazards—button batteries, magnets, water beads, and dangerous decorations—parents can help prevent dangerous accidents and ensure their children enjoy a safe and happy holiday.
Remember, safety is always the best gift you can give to your child, and a little extra caution can go a long way in preventing unnecessary trips to the emergency room.