The Dangers of Balloons to Our Babies
How Innocent Fun Can Lead to Serious Risks for Babies
Katie and Jonathan Chamberlain lost their nine-month-old son in May 2018 after he choked and died on a balloon made of latex, highlighting the dangers of balloons to our babies, and the couple posted on social media to warn other parents, reminding us that these seemingly harmless household objects can be deadly.
You’re likely to smile when you see balloons. They can’t help but make you smile. We’ve grown to love them because they’re cheerful and bright, and we associate them with happy events like birthday celebrations for kids and graduations. They’re even more popular in our post-pandemic society, where we’re unable to attend celebrations but still want to mark the big occasions of life. Although decorating with balloons during the pandemic may seem like an easy way to have some socially distant fun, there are other dangers.
The dangers that balloons pose to wildlife and the environment are being questioned more and more. Several cities and states have banned mass balloon releases, and other legislation is in the works. We outline below the main concerns that doctors and scientists have about these helium-filled orbs and offer some alternatives to consider for your next party.
The Most Likely to Cause Fatal Choking Accidents are Balloons
Experts warn that balloons are dangerous. However, some families might be less concerned. Dr. Edgar Petras is a pediatrician who notes that balloons cause the majority of fatal choking accidents. CBS reported that 449 American children died between 1972 and 1993 from choking on non-food items. Of these deaths, 29% were caused by balloons. In the U.S., at least 68 children died after choking on balloons made of latex between 1990 and 2004.
The Disaster Can Strike Extremely Quickly.
Katie and Jonathan knew that balloons were dangerous, and they watched their children closely when they played. But it only took one stray ball for their son’s death. Katie, a distraught mother of four, posted on Facebook that she didn’t know how dangerous these toys were.
She explained that her older kids were playing outside with water balloons a few days before tragedy struck this family. Katie warns that “just keeping them around” can be dangerous because it can be too late to act if the balloon is in your child’s face. You can’t simply watch your children play with them because they can fly down your airway very quickly.
It Was Too Late
Katie says that her curious son found a hidden balloon on the floor in her living room. Katie, who’s heartbroken, wrote: “The morning on the 31st of May 2018 began like any other. After I had fed Justin, I changed him and put him on the floor in the living room. A balloon was lying on the living room floor. It was thrown away quickly. “I didn’t notice the second balloon.” As babies do, my 9-month-old discovered the balloon while playing and put it in his mouth.
I didn’t see him put it in his mouth but I did notice him gagging. I ran to him to try to retrieve whatever it was but it was too late. The balloon was blown straight into his airway when he gagged after inhaling (which was about the size of a straw at his age). In a fraction of a second, his lips turned blue. I immediately performed the Heimlich. Five thrusts backward. Nothing. “I turned him over and laid him on the floor. I grabbed my cellphone to call 911.”
Infant Boys Brothers in Basket and Balloons
All Because of a Stupid Balloon
She was placed on hold while she performed CPR on Justin. After she called, an ambulance was there in just three minutes to take Justin’s care. “But it was useless. The balloon completely blocked his airway. The EMTs were unable, when they arrived, to open the airway. They took about 15 minutes to remove the balloon. My baby was already in cardiac arrest by that time. The hospital worked for 30 minutes on him, but by then it was too late.
She encourages parents to take first aid courses so that they can react quickly in the event of an emergency. She also urges them to ban balloons. She writes, “It is not worth the risk to have a few moments of fun.” It’s not worth feeling terrible guilt if your child is hurt. All we have now are his pictures, memories, and a few belongings. “There is no greater pain than the grief of a parent”. Our thoughts are with them as they try to come to terms with their loss.
Tips on How to Keep Our Children Safe From Balloons
- Supervise children: It is important to supervise children when they are near balloons to avoid accidents. Children should not be allowed to put uninflated or bursting balloons in their mouths. If a balloon deflates or pops, throw it away immediately to avoid accidental ingestion.
- Always throw away popped balloons: Deflated balloon pieces can be a choking risk for pets and children. Small children should not be left alone with balloons, even if they are still inflated.
- Do not let your children inhale Helium.: Inhaling helium was fun back then, but it deprives our brains of oxygen. A bit too much can be dangerous.
Lives are Lost Due to Fun Toys.
Sadly, other children have died as a result of playing with balloons, but it can be hard for parents to understand just how dangerous these ‘fun’ toys can be:
- Five-year-old Lily Breen died in 2008 after her parents found her unconscious with a balloon stuck in her airway.
- A two-year-old boy fatally choked on a balloon in April 2018.
- A two-year-old boy lost his life while playing with a balloon in 2015.
- An eight-year-old girl suffocated when she put a mylar balloon over her head.
- A 10-year-old girl inhaled a balloon and died in 2013.
And these are just a handful of cases reported by media. There are many that escape media scrutiny while leaving families devastated.
Balloons and Children’s Safety
- If you must have balloons, choose mylar balloons instead of latex balloons
- Keep un-inflated latex balloons well out of reach of children
- Supervise kids around balloons and remove any popped balloons immediately
- Avoid having water balloons in your home
- Note that long strings on balloons are also dangerous to children
- Teach children that balloons are a dangerous choking hazard
- Tell other parents how dangerous balloons can be
Choking Hazard
There are several ways that balloons can cause accidents. Children can inflate balloons by sucking them into their mouths. Some children swallow balloons that they had been sucking or eating. Even broken balloon pieces can be a choking risk because they can easily get sucked up into the throat or lungs.
Preventing a child’s choking is best done by preventing them from eating a balloon. Children younger than eight years of age should not be allowed to use latex balloons. Collect the broken pieces of a balloon and place them away from the children. Mylar foil balloons are a good choice for a shiny balloon. However, adult supervision is required with all types of balloons.
This sheet will help you prepare in case of an emergency choking. This sheet will help you prevent your child from choking.
What are the Choking Hazards of Food?
Any object that is small enough to block a child’s airway. This includes:
- Food pieces that are too small, such as grapes, beans, or popcorn, or foods that haven’t been well chewed.
- Small household items such as buttons or marbles.
- Small parts for toys
- Button batteries are used in watches, cameras, and other small electronic devices.
Choking Signs
Choking symptoms include:
- Violent coughing
- When breathing in, you may hear a high-pitched noise.
- Unable to cry, cough, or breathe
- Face that becomes pale and blue-tinted
- Clutching their throat
Steps to be Taken When a Child Chokes.
Below are some instructions on what to do when your child is experiencing shortness of breath due to choking from a balloon.
- You should not put your finger in the mouth of the child to remove an object. You could push the object further into the child’s throat if you use your finger.
- Call 9-1-1. The airway may become completely blocked.
- Encourage the child until the object is expelled. Avoid the Heimlich maneuver. The child’s cough will do better than the Heimlich.
- Make sure that the object does not block the child’s throat.
- Use fast, short motions to thrust inward and upward. Don’t lift the child off the floor while doing this.
- Continue abdominal thrusts until the object comes out, the child can cough and breathe, the child becomes unconscious, or help arrives.
- Stand or kneel behind the child and wrap your arms around their waist.
Conclusion
It is important to prioritize balloon safety to have a safe and enjoyable experience at events and celebrations. You can enjoy balloons without worrying about safety by following these simple precautions.
