An NHS paediatrician has advised parents to keep honey at home as a potential life-saving measure if a child swallows a button battery. Dr Rachel Barr, a mother of two, shared the tip on TikTok, emphasising that time is critical in such emergencies.
Dr Barr explained that button batteries can cause severe internal damage, including holes in the oesophagus, stomach, or small bowel. She cited research suggesting that giving two teaspoons of honey every ten minutes—up to six doses—while en route to hospital can reduce tissue damage.
However, Dr Barr highlighted two important caveats: honey should not be given to children under 12 months due to the risk of botulism, in which case jam can be used as an alternative. Additionally, honey should only be administered if the child is well, able to swallow without difficulty, and if the ingestion occurred within the last 12 hours.
Dr Barr stressed that this advice does not replace urgent medical attention; children who may have swallowed a button battery still need immediate hospital assessment. The NHS website supports this guidance for children over 12 months.
Social media users responded positively, with one calling for a ban on button batteries and another curious about the mechanism. Dr Barr explained that honey is thought to coat the battery and act as a weak acid, potentially neutralising the alkaline battery.
