Manchester, New Hampshire – Pediatric emergency physicians are warning parents across New Hampshire to carefully inspect Christmas gifts after a hidden accessory found in many common household items has sent children to emergency rooms with serious internal injuries.
Doctors say the danger is often overlooked because it is not the toy or gift itself that poses the greatest risk. Instead, the threat comes from a small internal component commonly found in toys, electronics, greeting cards, and novelty items that enter homes in large numbers during the Christmas season.
Emergency physicians report that when the item is swallowed, injuries can begin developing within hours. Early symptoms may be subtle and include drooling, vomiting, coughing, chest discomfort, refusal to eat, or unusual irritability. In some cases, parents may not realize what has happened until the child’s condition worsens.
Medical officials warn that delays in treatment can significantly increase the risk of severe complications. Some children require emergency procedures and extended hospitalization.
Hospitals often see a rise in these cases during the holidays, when battery-powered toys, decorations, and small electronic gifts are more common. Loose packaging, unsecured compartments, or spare parts left within reach can increase the risk, especially for infants and toddlers.
Midway through treatment, doctors frequently identify the cause: a button-style battery, a small, coin-shaped battery used in many household items. When swallowed, it can trigger a chemical reaction that burns through tissue, leading to life-threatening injuries.
Parents and caregivers are urged to inspect new gifts immediately, secure battery compartments, and properly dispose of spare or used batteries. Any missing battery should be treated as a medical emergency.
If ingestion is suspected, caregivers should seek immediate medical care or contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Health officials stress that awareness is the most effective prevention, particularly during Christmas, when unfamiliar items fill homes and young children are most at risk.
