Mother, Baby & Kids

Reusable Water Balloons: The Hidden Danger of a Famous Toy

soppycid-reusable-water-balloons

Image credit: Emma Reeds

You must’ve seen the reusable water balloons being promoted on the Internet before this.

It was all the rage during the scorching heat a few weeks ago.

It’s the best toy to have, it’s easy to use and fun to play with the whole family.

Other than that, it’s reusable and eco-friendly.

How a Fun Time Became an Emergency

When an Ohio mum got a call that her eight-year-old daughter got something stuck in her nose, the mother only chuckled.

She didn’t think much of it, until she heard her daughter’s crying

The eight-year-old was wiping her face with a towel and then started screaming in pain.

Image credit: Kelley Whitty’s Facebook Page

The mum, Kelley Whitty, realising the dire situation brought her daughter, Leah to the emergency room.

The girl was freaking out so bad, they had to sedate her.

Kelley said that once her daughter was sedated, the doctors pulled out six tiny magnets.

The force of the magnets was so strong that it pierced the child’s septum.

It was said that the magnets could possibly fell from one of the water balloons and onto a towel.

The Dangers of Magnets

There are a lot of factors to consider before buying a toy for your child.

Magnets are something you should avoid when buying a toy.

Because some can be very tiny and children might accidentally ingest them.

From the National Health Service webpage, once swallowed, the magnetic objects are forced together in the intestines.

In turn, this action squeezes the tissue so that the blood supply is cut off.

The signs of swallowing magnets are often mistaken for a viral illness like, nausea, vomiting and fever.

What to Do If Swallowed

The website of poison.org shared some tips to avoid poisoning:

  • Store magnets in a locked cabinet or box out of reach of children
  • Discard the magnets safely
  • Keep count of magnets after use to make sure none are missing

If the magnet is already swallowed, here’s what to do:

  • Do not make the person throw up
  • Do not give them anything to drink or eat
  • Get them to an emergency room immediately

Consider Options for Water Balloons

To be safe, maybe you can use other options for a fun, splashing day.

Keep your kids cool and safe out there, parents!


Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.


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