6 household dangers parents should be aware of

Charlotte Young from & Breathe First Aid highlights six common household dangers parents should be aware of.

As parents, we baby-proof our homes with cabinet locks, stair gates, and corner protectors, believing we’ve covered all the bases. But our little ones are experts and getting up to mischief. Their small size and developing brain means some everyday things around the house can become major choking, poisoning or injury risks.

Here are six common (but often unknown) household items that can cause serious injury or sickness to children, and what you can do to protect your little ones from harm in your house.

1. BALLOONS

Nothing says a party like a balloon, but they are a sneaky choking hazard for little ones. When a balloon pops, the pieces can easily be inhaled, blocking a child’s airway. Even when not uninflated, balloons can be dangerous if a child chews on it and accidentally sucks it into their throat. 

Why are balloons so dangerous?

+  Unlike solid objects, balloons mold to the shape of the airway, making them extremely difficult to dislodge

+  If inhaled, they can completely block airflow, causing suffocation

+  Latex balloons are particularly risky because they are soft and can stretch deep into the throat 

How to keep your child safe:

+  Avoid giving balloons to children under the age of eight

+  Always supervise children when playing with balloons

+  Opt for safer alternatives like Mylar balloons, which don’t pop into small pieces

+  Immediately discard any broken balloon fragments

2. BOUNCY BALLS

Bouncy balls are often a staple of kid’s party bags, but their small size and round shape means they are a major choking risk.

Why are bouncy balls dangerous?

+  They are small enough to fit into a child’s mouth and can easily become lodged in the throat

+  Their smooth, round shape makes them difficult to remove once stuck 

How to keep your child safe:

+  Check your little one’s party bags for bouncy balls and remove if neccessary

+  Keep bouncy balls out of reach of children under three years old

+  If older children have bouncy balls, store them away from younger siblings or remove them from the house altogether

3. COINS

While most of us are using cards and paywave, every now and then we have coins around the house. For our little ones, this loose change poses a major choking hazard.

Why are coins dangerous?

+  Their small size and round shape makes them easy for small children to put in their mouths

+  Coins can get stuck in little ones' airways if swallowed, and can cause obstruction in their tummies, needing surgery to be removed 

How to keep your child safe:

+  Keep all loose change out of reach

+  Check the floors, furniture, and nappy bags regularly for stray coins

+  Teach older children the dangers of putting coins in their mouths

+  Learn the signs of foreign body obstruction and if you think your child has swallowed a coin, seek medical help

4. MAGNETS AND MAGNET-BASED TOYS

Magnets, especially ones that are small and strong, can cause serious injury to your little one. If you have magnet-based toys at home, such as magnet tiles, you might notice it’s recommended for certain ages (usually 3+).

Why are magnets dangerous?

+  If swallowed, a single magnet may pass through the digestive system without incident. But if two or more magnets are swallowed, they can attract each other when inside the gut. This can seriously damage the inside of their gut, causing injury and lead to a dangerous infection

How to keep your child safe:

+  Keep small magnets and magnet-based toys out of reach

+  Be cautious with refrigerator magnets that can break apart

+  Check your magnet-based toys regularly for any cracks or breaks, throw them away if you notice any

+  If you suspect your child has swallowed more than one magnet, take them to see a doctor urgently

5. BUTTON BATTERIES

Button batteries (also known as coin batteries) are extremely dangerous for little ones if swallowed. You often find them in your car keys, tile trackers, small toys and medical devices.

Why are button batteries dangerous?

+  When swallowed, the button battery can get stuck in the swallowing tube (oesophagus) and begin reacting with saliva, creating a chemical burn

+  Within hours, the battery can cause serious damage. The chemical burn can lead to internal injuries, infection and in serious cases a hole in their gut

+  Remember even dead batteries can cause significant damage

How to keep your child safe:

+  If a toy has a button battery, it’s best to throw it away

+  Store all battery-powered devices out of reach in a secure place

+  If a device has a button battery make sure it has a screw or add extra tape for an extra barrier

+  Dispose of used batteries safely and immediately. Wrap it in sticky tape before putting it in the bin

+  Learn the signs of button battery ingestion. If ever your child has swallowed a button battery, see a doctor straight away

+  If your little one is over 12 months old, start the ‘button battery protocol’ on your way to seek medical help. Two teaspoons of honey every ten minutes

6. HOUSEHOLD PLANTS

Many of us love some greenery in our homes, but some common household plants can be toxic if our little ones decide to take a small bite. From the bright flowers to the cool silky leaves, plants offer a sensory input that some kids can’t resist. In New Zealand 62% of plant-related calls to the Poisons Centre are child-related and make up around 10% of calls.

Why are household plants dangerous?

+  Some plants contain toxins that are poisonous if eaten

+  Because kids are small, it can take only a small amount of toxin to make them sick

+  Even non-toxic plants can pose a choking hazard if a child tries to eat the leaves

How to keep your child safe:

+  Research your houseplants and remove any that are toxic

+  Place plants out of reach or opt for child-friendly, non-toxic plants

+  If you have older kids, teach them about not touching or eating plants

+  Learn the signs of poisoning and contact the National Poisons Centre immediately on 0800 764 766

+  NEVER offer water, milk or try to make your child vomit if you think they have been poisoned until you've spoken to a professional

While these six hidden dangers are common in most households, you can easily protect your little ones by taking simple actions. Checking for hazards, removing them from your home and keeping dangerous items out of reach can make a huge difference.

It’s impossible to prevent every accident, but by taking the right steps, you can create a safer home environment. Learning to spot illnesses and injuries quickly means you can get your little one the help they need.

Charlotte is a senior clinical paediatric ICU nurse and a mum of two. She is the co-owner of & Breathe First Aid, teaching immersive baby and child first aid courses to families. Motivated by seeing poor outcomes and preventable injuries in the PICU, she has a passion for helping families learn effective CPR and how to keep their little ones safe. Visit andbreathefirstaid.co.nz to book a course online or in person.