The 1 Thing You’re Forgetting to Do When Child-Proofing Your Home

More than 3,500 people swallow coin lithium batteries annually in the United States, with more than 2,800 kids treated in emergency rooms each year. These ingestions and the associated complications are most common in children ages six and under.

But when it comes to coin lithium batteries, 20mm is the size that warrants the most attention. In fact, 20mm coin lithium batteries are increasingly common in everyday household items and are roughly the same size as a child’s esophagus, which is exactly why safety innovation is needed. Eric Levene, MD, a pediatrician at Chester Pediatrics and Marketing Committee Chair at Allied Physicians Group*, points to 20mm coin lithium batteries as a particular concern. If swallowed, internal burning can occur within 15 minutes of ingestion and can become potentially fatal within a few hours, making this a true medical emergency.

Chances are, coin lithium batteries are powering more items in your home than you realize. The most obvious items to keep out of a child’s reach are remote controls (TV, garage door, smart home devices, Bluetooth trackers), tracking devices and key fobs. However, there are some household items that may surprise you. Michael Glazier, MD, FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician and Chief Medical Officer at Bluebird Kids Health^*, recommends checking “bathroom scales, any wearable electronics (like watches or fitness trackers), LED tea lights and even greeting cards that play music.” Dr. Levene also recommends making sure anyone who cares for your child—grandparents, neighbors or in-home daycares—is equally aware of the risks.

Now for the part that’ll actually help you breathe a little easier. Introducing Energizer_® Ultimate Child Shield™, the world’s only coin lithium battery that prevents burns if swallowed. There is no other coin lithium battery on the market with this safety feature. In addition to this unique technology, there are three other features worth knowing about: 

• Color alert technology: With the world’s only color alert technology, it visibly dyes the mouth blue within seconds when saliva interacts with the battery, alerting caregivers to a possible ingestion. 
• Bitter taste: The non-toxic bitter coating on the cell discourages swallowing and helps deter ingestion. 
• Secure packaging: Child-resistant packaging provides another layer of protection to help prevent children from accessing batteries in the package.

If you suspect your child has swallowed a 20mm coin lithium battery, seek immediate medical attention and call Poison Control’s 24-hour National Battery Ingestion Hotline (1-800-498-8666) right away.

It’s a small change, but it could be the most important one you make today. Swap to Energizer_® Ultimate Child Shield™.