Doctors Warn Parents About Dangers of Water Beads as Holiday Gifts

Water beads, which can expand significantly when exposed to liquid, pose serious health risks to young children if swallowed.

Water beads, marketed as toys, crafting tools, and home decor, can expand up to 400 times their size, creating a choking hazard and risk of bowel obstruction in children.
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) has issued a safety alert urging parents to keep these beads away from children under five years old.
Swallowed water beads are not visible on X-rays and may require surgery to remove if they cause internal blockages.
Reports have linked water beads to serious harm in the UK and child deaths overseas, prompting heightened warnings during the holiday season.
The RCEM also highlighted similar risks posed by small items like button batteries and magnets, which can cause severe harm if ingested.