As a parent, you’d do anything to make sure your kids are safe. Parents know that items like batteries, especially button batteries, are a serious danger to small children. In an effort to make sure your space is child-proofed, you’ve likely taken extra precautions to keep them away from your kids.
So, you’d expect daycares to do the same, right? Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.
Today, we’re going to discuss how button batteries might be present at daycare and what daycares should do to prevent injuries from them.
What are Button Batteries?
First, let's discuss button batteries. What exactly are they? Button batteries are small round batteries, similar to the shape and size of a button, often used in small toys and other electronic devices. Sometimes, they’re referred to as “coin batteries” or “flat batteries.”
These batteries become dangerous when little kids and babies get access to them and swallow them. Due to the size of the batteries, they can easily block the child’s airway, causing them to choke and suffer serious injury or even death.
These batteries are also dangerous as they can become lodged in a child’s ear or nose, requiring surgery to remove them. If they aren’t removed quickly, they can cause damage to the eardrum or the nasal septum. Additionally, children are at risk of suffering chemical reactions due to the lithium in some of these batteries. The lithium battery can burn through the child’s esophagus in as quickly as 2 hours. Now, let’s discuss where button batteries might be found.
Commonly, we see them in:
- Games and toys,
- Remotes,
- Key fobs,
- Calculators,
- Watches,
- Cameras
- holiday ornaments,
- and shoes and clothing that flash,
What Steps Can Daycares Take to Prevent Button Batteries From Getting Into the Hands of Children?
Daycare staff must check toys to ensure that battery compartments are properly secured. Some daycares simply avoid toys with batteries, just to err on the side of caution.
Caregivers should also be trained on the safety concerns surrounding batteries. They should know what steps to take if your child swallows a battery. This may involve performing CPR or the Heimlich Maneuver and rushing the child to the hospital.
What to Do If Your Child Suffered a Button Battery Injury at Daycare
If your child suffered a button battery injury at daycare, and you’re not quite sure what steps to take next, contact our daycare injury attorneys at The Button Law Firm. We help families get answers after something has gone wrong at their child’s daycare. We’re here to help you, too. And if you’re not quite ready to talk to us, we understand. Be sure to download our free guide, 5 Steps to Take after a Daycare Injury – it’s linked here.
Don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to keep you and your family moving forward.
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