A mother's well-intentioned attempt to keep her toddler safe with a smart tracking device during a magical trip to Disneyland Paris turned into a terrifying medical emergency, sparking a urgent warning from health professionals.
The family's holiday nightmare began when the two-year-old boy managed to remove the device from his wrist and swallow the coin-sized lithium battery inside. The incident occurred amidst the excitement of the popular theme park, forcing a frantic rush to hospital.
A Hidden Danger in Children's Gadgets
The mother, who had purchased the smartwatch specifically for the trip, believed she was taking a prudent step for her child's safety in crowded areas. However, the easily accessible battery compartment proved to be a critical design flaw with potentially fatal consequences.
"These button batteries are incredibly dangerous if swallowed," explained a paediatric specialist familiar with the case. "They can cause severe internal burns in as little as two hours by creating an electrical current when they come into contact with bodily fluids."
The Race Against Time
After realising what had happened, the parents immediately sought medical help. The toddler was rushed to a nearby hospital where medical teams worked quickly to locate and remove the hazardous object.
The child required urgent endoscopic surgery to extract the battery from his oesophagus, where it had become lodged. Doctors confirmed that the swift action of the parents prevented more serious internal injuries from developing.
Safety Experts Issue Stern Warning
Child safety organisations have long warned about the dangers posed by button batteries, which are found in an increasing number of household items and children's toys.
"Parents need to be aware that any device containing these batteries must be completely secure," stated a representative from the Child Accident Prevention Trust. "If ingestion is suspected, it constitutes a medical emergency that requires immediate hospital treatment - do not wait for symptoms to appear."
The family has since issued their own warning to other parents, urging them to check the security of battery compartments in all electronic devices and toys before giving them to children.
