20/12/2022
Christmas Safety alert... super strong and super nasty
Small powerful magnets.
Also known as neodymium or rare-earth magnets.
These guys are in the news again this morning with a 4 year old boy needing life-saving surgery š
If a child swallows these small balls, they can essentially burn holes in their intestines or bowel.
It is relatively easy to buy these toys online, often marketed at ādesk toysā or fidget toys. Sometimes they carry a safety warning or a recommendation to say they are unsuitable for those under 14 years old, but others I have seen on Amazon or Etsy are quite blatantly aimed at toddlers.
Unfortunately accidents happen. But as parents, we just need to know this info. And once we are armed with all the correct information, we can then make the decision that is best for us and our family.
So, some top tips:
šŖš» Make sure you know what your relatives are gifting your children for Christmas
šŖš¼ Avoid these super strong magnets
šŖš¼ Ensure any other magnets are too big to be able to fit into a childās mouth
šŖš¼ Check toys containing magnets for any wear and tear
šŖš¼ If you suspect a swallowed magnet, seek urgent medical assistance
šŖš¼ Our kids are never to young to be taught/ reminded/ told about the dangers of these magnets
šŖš¼ Remember that just because you I can buy something online, it doesnāt always mean it is safe for children to play with
If you want some more info, check out www.capt.org.uk It is such a great resource for us to know about as parents.
Are you surprised by the dangers of these magnets? Or maybe surprised that you can still purchase these types of toys?!