Battery Safety For Infants by Dr. Chetan Ginigeri

It becomes imperative to keep our babies safe from these batteries. Being inquisitive and curious as babies are, their first instinct is to taste, and hence if infants see batteries, they put them in their mouths.

Button Batteries and Threats to Babies

Be it your mini remote controls, small calculators, watches, and other electronics, you can find most of these gadgets lying around the house. But they will probably have a coin-sized button battery. Button or coin cells are tiny, merely 5-25 mm in diameter. It is as small as a shirt button.

Its tiny size and slippery surface present a great danger of swallowing by young kids. This may cause choking. Okay, so you think you may pat the back and your baby will spit it out? Well, what if you don’t know whether your little one has swallowed it or not?

Can Swallowed Batteries Cause Electric Charge?

Batteries help generate an electric charge, and the presence of moisture can trigger this charge. If the battery gets lodged in the throat, the moisture present in the throat can trigger a charge and cause a hole or burn in the throat!

It’s not only the infants from whom you need to hide these batteries, but you need to educate older kids about the risks. Kids are the most fearless and daring explorers. They can easily taste the battery to get a feel for the current. Do you remember doing it yourself?

My Child Has Swallowed a Battery, What Do I Do?

If your child swallows a battery, the effects may not be immediately apparent. And then there may be internal bleeding or fatal consequences within less than even two hours! If you suspect that your kid has ingested a battery, do not try to induce vomiting. Do not try to make them drink water or swallow food in the hope of its removal until a doctor advises you to do so. It could be fatal! Immediately take the child to the hospital.

X-rays are usually done immediately to see whether a battery is stuck in the esophagus, which can essentially cause tissue damage. An electrical current can form around the outside of the battery, generating hydroxide (an alkaline chemical) and causing a tissue burn. Babies might try to place the button batteries in their noses or ears – this can cause permanent injury.

[Read : Accidental Poisoning In Babies]

Preventing Injuries: Battery Safety Tips For Babies

Battery safety for infants is something that should be taken care of seriously. Below are a few tips for childproofing your home against accidents from batteries:

• Check for any loose parts in the toys. Especially the battery compartment! Similarly, check remote controls (TV, AC, toys, DVD player, etc.), mobile phones, etc.
• Always secure the battery compartment using adhesive tape to prevent accidental opening and dislodging of batteries from within.
• Teach your kids that when replacing batteries, always check for positive and negative signs and fit the battery accordingly.
• Always place the batteries in the slots as per instructions or indications, otherwise, it may cause battery leakage and render the product unusable.
• Store the batteries in a place inaccessible to babies. Let them ask you for a new battery when the previous battery runs dry.
• Store batteries as per the directions – in a cool and dry place.
• Use the particular battery charger designed for the particular batteries. Using the charger of another manufacturer may cause an explosion!
• Always supervise the baby when he is playing with battery-operated toys or other devices. Batteries can easily get overheated. An overheated battery can be equally dangerous, causing burns.

Don’t

• Never store batteries in easy to reach drawers.
• Do not store batteries together with medicines or any other metallic object.
• Discard the old batteries safely, in a way that babies won’t find them.
• Never ever throw batteries into the fire, they may explode!
• Do not try to charge non-rechargeable batteries.

Follow the above simple tips, and you will certainly minimize the risk of battery hazards. It would be wise to keep an eye on your little ones when they play. Do not let the toys babysit your infant. Instead, indulge in play with your baby. This not only intensifies the play fun but also strengthens the mother-child bonding. You can also relax and feel blissful in the playful squeak of your baby and listen to his fantasy world!

[Read : Burns in Babies: Treatment and Home Remedies]

FAQ’s

1. What Are Potential Dangers of Batteries?

There are many potential dangers associated with batteries, including choking, burning, and poisoning. The gastrointestinal system can be seriously affected by button cell batteries if left undetected.

2. Are Toys With Batteries Safe For Babies?

Generally, toys that run on batteries have undergone thorough safety testing. Babies should never be left unattended while playing with batteries-powered toys. Likewise, mixing old batteries with new ones can overheat the toy.

3. Can Babies Poop Out a Battery?

Babies can poop out accidentally swallowed batteries. It can take disk batteries anywhere from 12 to 14 days to transit through the digestive tract. Most of the cells pass through the stool within 72 hours. Check your baby’s stools at home to ensure that the cells have passed through.

Read Also: What If Your Baby Chews or Swallows On Batteries?