A poll of 1,000 parents of children aged 0-5 found that while 51% are 'very aware' of potential dangers in their home, almost half (45%) admitted they only see a safety risk after their child has already come into contact with it. Fewer than half (49%) recognise toys containing coin batteries may pose a risk, with even fewer considering risks from car key fobs (33%), TV remotes and bathroom scales (30%).
Energizer has launched a 'Summer Safety Swap' campaign, partnering with broadcaster and mathematician Rachel Riley. She visited a primary school to teach children about the hidden dangers of coin batteries. The company encourages parents to replace coin batteries in household devices with its new Ultimate Child Shield batteries, which include child-resistant packaging, a bitter coating to discourage swallowing, and a blue dye released on contact with saliva. They are the world’s only coin lithium battery designed to prevent ingestion burns if swallowed.
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.”
Parents’ awareness and preparedness
The research suggested parents are already taking proactive steps 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.
Practical tips from a paediatric doctor
Paediatric doctor Radhika Thakrar offers the following tips for making simple safety swaps this summer:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
