New toys are half the fun of the holidays, but according to Monique Contento, PA-C, a certified pediatric physician assistant at Allied Physicians Group*, they’re also a big reason her practice sees more suspected coin lithium battery ingestion visits once the gifts start rolling in. The size to keep an eye on is the 20mm coin lithium battery (about the size of a nickel), and it’s tucked inside more holiday decor than you’d think:
- On display: flameless candles and LED tealights, battery-powered fairy lights on garlands and wreaths, light-up ornaments
- Remotes for the decor: many light strings, fireplaces and candles come with a small remote
- Everyday items: key fobs, digital thermometers and bathroom scales
Angela Cabarcas, MD, FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician at Bluebird Kids Health*, flags decor specifically. “These often have easy-to-access [coin lithium] batteries that a small child can quickly open and put in their mouth,” she says.
