'Should be mandatory': World first innovation to tackle hidden Xmas danger

A groundbreaking new technology is giving parents the upper hand in preventing a deadly guessing game with their children this Christmas. 

It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but unfortunately, it’s not always the safest.  

Hidden among the toys Santa leaves under the tree are dangers we innocently overlook.

One of the most alarming? Button batteries.

In just two hours, these tiny hazards can burn through soft tissue, causing catastrophic internal injuries—and in some cases, death.

The scariest part? Parents often have no idea their child has swallowed one until it’s too late.  Symptoms are often vague and slow to present, leaving families in the dark about what their child might have put in their mouth.

Now, Energizer has introduced a game-changing solution to help parents avoid a deadly guessing game. 

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RELATED: 'It only takes a second for a child to swallow a button battery'

Turns mouth blue in seconds

Their world-first technology not only powers toys, but also lowers the risk of accidental injury or death with a new colour-alert feature. 

Once the battery comes into contact with saliva, it turns the mouth blue within seconds, alerting parents that urgent medical attention is needed.

Additionally, the batteries feature a non-toxic bitter coating to deter swallowing and they also come in a child-resistant packaging.

Images: Supplied

In Australia, an estimated 20 children aged 0 to 5 present to emergency departments every week due to suspected button battery ingestion or insertion.

Even more alarming is that the burning doesn’t stop once the coin-sized battery is removed. The damage can continue, often leading to multiple surgeries.

From car remotes and thermometers to musical books and flashing novelty toys, button batteries are hidden in a wide range of everyday household items.

Nikki Jurcutz, former paramedic and founder of Tiny Hearts Education, has welcomed the innovation. 

She frequently encounters the tragic consequences of button battery ingestion.

 RELATED: Confronting video shows just how dangerous button batteries are if swallowed

"Could truly be lifesaving"

Taking to Instagram, Nikki demonstrated the colour-alert feature, placing a battery in her mouth to show how quickly it turns the tongue a vibrant blue.

“THIS WILL SAVE LIVES” She captioned the post. 

"The new batteries represent a significant step forward in child safety," she told Kidspot.

"As a parent myself, I know how important every second is in an emergency, and these batteries could truly be lifesaving. I hope every company follows."

Her comment section was filled with grateful parents. 

“Brilliant idea. Should be mandatory."

“Best thing I’ve seen in a long time.”

Nikki has used her platform to share vital, life-saving advice.

“Research shows honey can make a significant difference in reducing damage, buying time for surgery and minimising long-term harm,” she said. 

Children under the age of 1 year shouldn’t be given honey due to the risk of infant botulism, so she recommends jam instead. 

Despite the advancement she stresses parents shouldn't relax entirely.

"While these batteries are safer than traditional ones, they’re not a free pass to let our guard down. Parents should still exercise caution when buying toys or gadgets that use button batteries, and avoid if possible," she said.

"There’s a concern that parents might feel a false sense of security and become complacent, thinking these batteries eliminate all risks. Education is key; parents must stay vigilant about button batteries, regardless of safety advancements."

Nikki's advice to parents over the holidays: 

Choose toys wisely: Avoid buying toys that use button batteries if possible. If you do, ensure they’re secured with a screw-fastened battery compartment.

Supervise playtime: Be present when young children are playing with battery-operated toys and check that the battery compartment remains secure. 

Store batteries safely: Keep spare or old batteries out of reach and dispose of them safely. Act fast in an emergency: If you suspect your child has swallowed a battery, seek emergency medical help immediately by calling Poisons information on 13 11 26. Time is critical, so don’t wait for symptoms to appear.

Energizer’s innovative batteries are now available in the aisles of leading supermarkets—a small but mighty life-saving step toward a safer holiday season.

Originally published as 'Should be mandatory': World first innovation to tackle hidden Xmas danger