The holiday season may have brought many children new toys under the Christmas tree. However, these gifts can also pose hidden dangers, particularly from small batteries and magnets.

Dr. Tinsley Anderson, a pediatric surgeon at OSF HealthCare Children's Hospital of Illinois, emphasizes that parents should carefully consider the safety of the toys they buy for their kids. Toys with easily detachable parts or those that contain small batteries can pose serious health risks. These batteries, if swallowed, can cause severe injuries requiring surgery.

Key warning signs that a child may have ingested a dangerous item include drooling, difficulty swallowing, inability to eat, and belly pain.

Magnets are another potential hazard, as they can stick together inside the body and cause significant internal damage, sometimes necessitating surgical removal of parts of the intestine.

Parents are urged to pay close attention to age-appropriate labels on toys, as these are based on a child's developmental abilities and can help prevent accidents. Despite this guidance, many parents overlook these labels, increasing the risk to their children.

Dr. Anderson also warns about the dangers of water beads, which have become popular in recent years. These beads expand in water, and if ingested, can cause bowel obstruction, leading to surgery.

In the event that a child swallows a lithium or button battery, it's critical to seek immediate medical attention as the resulting injuries can be life-threatening. OSF HealthCare emergency departments are equipped with X-ray services to quickly identify and locate ingested items.

For further safety, Dr. Anderson advises performing the Heimlich maneuver if a child is choking, followed by an immediate trip to the emergency room to ensure no pieces are still lodged in the body.

As gift-givers, being mindful of these potential hazards can help ensure a joyful and safe holiday season for all.