Urgent warning: Keep water beads away from under 5’s

An alert has been issued warning parents and childcare settings to keep water beads away from children under 5 years old.

The warning comes following action by the Office of Product Safety and Standards to remove unsafe water beads from the market.

With their bright colours and squishy feel, water beads are especially appealing to young children. When dry, water beads are tiny and can easily be swallowed without detection.

As they bathe in stomach fluids, some can expand to 400 times their original size, posing a serious risk of blockage in a child’s bowel.

There is also a risk of inhalation causing coughing or choking.

What are water beads?

Water beads are small, colourful beads that grow significantly in size when exposed to liquid. The superabsorbent polymers (SAPS) were originally designed for use in floral displays but are now often marketed for use as toys, in crafting or sensory play. They can pose a serious danger to young children if swallowed, as they can expand in the belly and block the bowel.

The size of golf balls

Some water beads grow up to the size of golf balls.

The Irish Competition and Consumer Protection Commission shows just how large they can grow:

Bowel blockage

Mr Hemanshoo Thakkar, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon, explains why water beads are so dangerous for small children:

“It’s very difficult for water beads to move through a child’s bowels by themselves once they have expanded. So if a child swallows some and they get stuck, they will need an operation.

“The beads don’t show up on X-ray, so finding them can be really complicated. Depending on where they end up, a child may need major surgery.

“Even when you’ve removed the obvious ones, you can’t be certain you have them all. We had a case where a baby had to undergo major surgery twice to remove all the balls.

“Please keep water beads away from children under 5. They’re just not worth the risk.”

No safety warnings

Water beads are readily available to buy online. They may be sold as sensory toys or used in pellet or water guns. Most come with no warnings about the danger of children swallowing them.

This Instagram post from Dr Niamh Lynch shows just how easy it is to order water beads without realizing the dangers.

Five top tips for water bead safety

1. Keep water beads away from children under 5
2. Supervise older children at all times when using water beads
3. If older children are using water beads, use a large tub with plenty of free space so stray beads can’t escape onto the floor
4. After use, check that all beads are safely cleared away
5. Store dry water beads in a closed container out of children’s reach

Some older children with special educational needs also put things in their mouths. Take real care if using water beads as sensory toys.

In an emergency

If you suspect a child has swallowed a water bead, seek medical help immediately. Symptoms can include vomiting and stomach pain. But remember symptoms may not appear for hours or even a day or so after ingestion.

Early years settings

Many settings may have been using water beads for sensory play, unaware of the dangers they pose to small children.

Katrina Phillips OBE, Chief Executive of the Child Accident Prevention Trust advises:

“The message from this alert is clear, water beads should not be used in childcare settings or at home for children under 5. It’s almost impossible to use water beads safely with young children. The risks are just too high.

“If you suspect a child has inhaled or swallowed a water bead, or has one stuck in their nose or ear, seek medical help immediately.”

Free resource

Download, print and display our water beads poster to spread the message that water beads are dangerous and should be kept away from young children.