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About toys and water beads that expand in water
Toy beads or balls that expand in water are used for sensory play and as decorative items in vases and centrepieces.
Water absorbing polymer balls, also known as water beads, can expand to the size of a golf ball when they encounter liquid. This can be up to 400 times their original size.
Risks and injuries from the product
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.
They can be a choking hazard.
When swallowed, or put inside ears or noses, they can expand inside a child's body and cause:
- intestinal obstruction
- vomiting
- severe discomfort
- dehydration.
They may need to be surgically removed. Multiple surgeries may be needed to repair damage.
Swallowing can cause life-long health issues even after removal. Water beads can be difficult to identify with x-ray and can cause infection if undetected.
Three Australian children needed medical help after swallowing them. At least one child overseas died after swallowing water beads.
Things to look for when buying the product
Some serious injuries have happened to young children playing with toys and water beads that expand in water. There isn’t a mandatory safety standard, but the following is a guide.
- Look for the age recommendation label. Toys that expand in water aren’t recommended for children under 3 years old.
- Be aware that water beads may be marketed as sensory learning toys for children.
How to use the product safely
- Stop using expanding water beads as toys or playthings. Children under 3 years old often place toys in their mouth to explore them by sucking and chewing on them.
- Keep expanding water beads out of children’s reach. Make sure they’re out of sight.
- Keep any items, including any decorative pieces like vases containing expanding water balls well out of reach of children.
- If you think your child has swallowed any expanding toys, seek medical attention immediately.
