Water expanding products can pose a choking hazard, always keep them out of reach of young children.
About water expanding products
Water expanding products include toys that expand in water and beads or balls that are used for sensory play and as decorative items in vases and centrepieces. These products can expand up to 400 times their original size and are usually soft and easily separated.
Risks and injuries
These products are small and colourful and can be attractive to young children, who often place items in their mouths at early stages of their development.
Once ingested, they can expand inside a child's body and cause intestinal obstruction, vomiting, severe discomfort and dehydration and may need to be surgically removed. They can also pose a choking hazard. If this happens, please call 000 and seek urgent medical attention.
Buying tips
- Expandable toys are not recommended for children under three. Young children often place toys in their mouth to explore them by sucking and chewing on them.
Safe use
- Keep toys for older children separate and away from a young child’s reach.
- If you suspect your child has swallowed any expanding toys, seek medical attention immediately.
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