Parents warned over coin battery dangers - 5 tips to keep your child safe

Parents warned over coin battery dangers - 5 tips to keep your child safe A new survey has found that many parents are unaware of the potential dangers of coin batteries in everyday household items, and are only alerted to the risks after their child has already come into contact with them Parents are failing to spot everyday household hazards, including toys containing coin batteries, according to new research. A poll of 1,000 mothers and fathers of children aged 0-5 years old revealed that 51% consider themselves 'very aware' of potential dangers in the home. Yet nearly half (45%) admitted they only recognise a safety risk after their child has already encountered it. Fewer than half (49%) acknowledge that toys containing coin batteries could pose a threat to their child. Even fewer are aware of the risks posed by batteries in common household items such as car key fobs (33%), TV remotes and bathroom scales (30%). With children due to spend more time at home during the summer holidays, Energizer is urging parents to swap out coin batteries in household devices for its new Ultimate Child Shield batteries. The batteries feature child-resistant packaging, a bitter coating to deter swallowing, and a blue dye that is released upon contact with saliva. They are also the world's only coin lithium battery specifically engineered to prevent ingestion burns if accidentally swallowed. To promote its 'Summer Safety Swap' campaign, the brand teamed up with broadcaster, mathematician and mum Rachel Riley, who visited a primary school to educate young children about the hidden dangers of coin batteries. Rachel said: "As parents, we all want to do everything we can to keep our children safe, so it's reassuring to see innovations that can help reduce everyday risks. "The summer holidays mean children naturally spend more time at home exploring and playing, and with so much going on, it's easy for everyday hazards to be overlooked. "Many of us don't realise just how many everyday household items may contain coin batteries, which is why taking a few simple steps before the holidays can make such a difference. "By checking for loose batteries, storing them safely and making simple swaps where possible, families can help make their homes even safer while children are busy exploring." The research indicated parents are already taking proactive measures to childproof their homes by storing knives, scissors and sharp tools safely (64%), moving hot drinks, pans and kettles away from edges (61%) and putting tablets out of reach (61%).. Almost a quarter (23%) review the safety of their home every day. Still, 21% admitted they wouldn't know how to respond if their child swallowed a coin battery. One in ten said they would try to remove it themselves, another one in ten would turn to AI for advice. The OnePoll.com study found 55% felt there isn't enough information about hidden dangers around the home. Paediatric doctor Radhika Thakrar's practical tips for making simple safety swaps this summer: 1. Look beyond the toy box Coin batteries can be found in many everyday household items, including slim remote controls, key fobs, digital scales, lights and musical greetings cards. Take time to identify which devices in your home contain them and consider switching to batteries with additional child-safety features. 2. Check that battery compartments are secure Inspect battery-powered devices for loose backs, missing screws or damaged compartments. Batteries should not be accessible without the use of a tool or a secure opening mechanism. Stop using any device if its battery compartment cannot be properly secured. 3. Store loose batteries safely Keep new, spare and used batteries in a secure place that is high up, locked away and completely out of children’s sight and reach. Avoid leaving batteries loose in drawers, bags, on worktops or beside devices waiting to be replaced. 4. Dispose of used batteries promptly Used or “flat” batteries can still pose a danger. Keep them securely out of reach until they can be taken to an appropriate battery recycling point, rather than placing them in household bins or leaving them lying around the home. 5. Know what to do in an emergency If you think a child may have swallowed a coin battery, do not wait for symptoms, attempt to remove it yourself or rely on online advice. Take them straight to A&E and tell medical staff that a battery may have been swallowed.