LifestyleHealthParentingAn NHS paediatrician and mother-of-two has shared important advice for all parents in the event of their child swallowing an extremely dangerous button battery08:21, 30 May 2026The thought of our children swallowing a foreign object is something that fills all parents with dread. Now this something which has prompted a doctor to urge all families to store one common item at home that could potentially save a life.‌Dr Rachel Barr, who is a mum of two herself, took to TikTok to share her advice. The NHS paediatrician began in a video: "This household product could save your child's life. We all know that when a child swallows a button battery - or even if we think they might have - then they need to get urgent medical attention."‌Content cannot be displayed without consent‌According to Dr Barr, time really is of the essence in such a terrifying scenario and there is something you can do to help your child in the meantime.Indeed, button batteries can be life-threatening and cause significant damage including creating holes in the oesophagus, stomach or small bowel."Some ENT [Ear, Nose and Throat] researchers have shown that while you are on your way to hospital, giving two teaspoons of honey every 10 minutes up to a maximum of six times can help reduce tissue damage," she revealed.‌However, parents should be aware of the "two caveats" to this advice."We can't give honey under the age of 12 months because of the risk of botulism [a neurotoxin that attacks the body's nerves] so if they are under this age we can use jam as an alternative," Dr Barr warned.She continued: "You should only do this if they're well in themselves, if they're able to swallow without any difficulties, and if the ingestion happened in the last 12 hours."‌However, Dr Barr went on to caution this isn't a reason to delay going to hospital, as children who have swallowed a foreign object still require urgent medical attention."But doing this simple thing could change the outcome for the child," Dr Barr said.The advice is supported by the NHS' website, which states: "All children who are suspected to have swallowed a button battery will be assessed in the children’s emergency department to decide whether they need admission and/or emergency surgery.Article continues below"Prior to arrival at hospital, where there is known or suspected button battery ingestion within the last 12 hours, it is advised the children over the age of 12 months are given 2 teaspoons (10ml) of honey every 10 minutes."Writing in response, one TikTok user declared: "Button batteries should be banned full stop! But this is great advice."While a second person asked: "That's really interesting, how does it work?" To which Dr Barr explained: "So it’s [honey] thought to physically coat the battery but also is a weak acid so potentially slightly neutralises the very alkaline battery."Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌ParentingBabiesHealthNHSTikTok