The NHS has warned parents to beware of "potentially lethal" button batteries ahead of children opening their presents on Christmas Day.
The mother of a young girl who nearly died when she accidentally swallowed one of the batteries, which are also known as cell batteries or coin batteries, has spoken out.
The child was left in intensive care with agonising pain after the batteries burned through her gullet (oesophagus) and into her lung, reports the BBC.
Button batteries are used to power many popular gadgets and toys that are likely be given as Christmas presents tomorrow. They can also be found in remote controls, car keys and other small electronic devices.
According to the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch, the small round batteries trigger a chemical reaction with wet surfaces as the battery starts to "release its current".
Experts are urging parents to be vigilant and keep products containing these batteries away from young children.
NHS England Medical Director, Prof Stephen Powis, told the BBC: "For toddlers, button batteries can look like sweets.
"We want to ensure parents are aware of the dangers of these potentially lethal batteries.
"The best way to protect children is simply by keeping batteries out of reach for children, and ensure that any toys that require the batteries are firmly locked into the battery compartment."
This is not the first time the dangers of button batteries have been highlighted.
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