Magnets

If you think a child has swallowed magnets act fast. Take them straight to A&E or phone 999 for an ambulance. Don’t delay, trust your instincts.

There may be no symptoms to warn you a child has swallowed magnets, so don’t wait for them to show. By the time symptoms start to show, more damage has likely been done. Symptoms can include stomach pain and tenderness, nausea or vomiting, and not being able to keep down fluids. You may suspect a stomach bug or appendicitis.

Children can find magnets in: magnetic beads from jewellery-making kits magnetic balls from building kits magnets from building block toys magnetic dartboards fridge magnets magnetic letters, numbers or figures magnetic puzzles and games magnets in fidget toys, office desk toys and stress relief gadgets Find out more about magnet safety

No. Quality toys, built to the right standard, that are age-appropriate and used according to the instructions, should be safe for children to play with. Cheap copycats, often from online marketplaces, may not meet our safety standards. The magnets could be easily accessible or have a much higher strength than is safe for a child’s toy. That’s why we recommend buying from reputable retailers where possible, and check who and where you are buying from when shopping online. Avoid small magnets if you have children under 3 in the house. Toys bought for older children can be dangerous for little children to play with too. Find out more about magnet safety Find [...]