In recent years, lithium coin batteries have become a common feature in everything from remote controls and toys to household gadgets and baby products. But these seemingly harmless batteries can be deadly especially for young children. In response to a rising number of child injuries and fatalities, Congress passed Reese’s Law in 2022 to tighten safety regulations around button cell and coin batteries as a product liability lawyer can further explain.
What Is Reese’s Law?
Reese’s Law is named after 18-month-old Reese Hamsmith, who tragically died after swallowing a button battery from a remote control. The battery burned a hole in her esophagus, leading to fatal complications. Her death, and the efforts of her family to advocate for stronger consumer protection laws, inspired this critical piece of legislation.
Reese’s Law mandates that any consumer product containing a button or coin cell battery must:
- Include a secure battery compartment that is inaccessible to children.
- Have warning labels on the packaging and the product itself.
- Provide instructions to consumers on the dangers of button batteries and how to use and dispose of them safely.
The law also empowers the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to enforce strict compliance and issue recalls for noncompliant products.
Why Are Lithium Coin Batteries So Dangerous?
When swallowed, lithium coin batteries can cause severe internal injuries within just two hours. The battery creates a chemical reaction with saliva, producing hydroxide that burns through tissue.
Symptoms of ingestion may not be obvious and can mimic common illnesses, such as:
- Coughing or gagging
- Drooling
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Refusal to eat
Unfortunately, by the time symptoms escalate, the damage is often severe as our friends at KBA Attorneys have seen.
Real-Life Hazards In Recent Recalls And Safety Failures
Even after the passage of Reese’s Law, dangerous products continue to reach consumers. A notable example is the Nezmdi Infant Swing, recalled in May 2025. This swing included a remote control powered by a lithium coin battery, but it lacked the warning labels and instructions required by Reese’s Law. The product was marketed to parents of infants, a group especially vulnerable to these hazards.
This wasn’t an isolated case. Other recalled products in the last year have included:
- Children’s light-up toys with unsecured battery compartments
- Holiday decorations powered by coin batteries but lacking any child safety features
- Foreign-manufactured gadgets sold on Amazon and other marketplaces without proper labeling
Each of these failures represents a threat to children and a violation of federal law.
What To Do If Your Child Was Exposed To A Button Battery
If you suspect your child swallowed a button battery, treat it as a medical emergency:
- Go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
- Do not induce vomiting or give food or drink.
- Bring the suspected product or packaging to show medical staff.
After your child receives care, take these steps to protect others and explore your legal options:
- Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov
- Retain the product and any instructions or packaging
- Contact a product liability attorney to evaluate your case
Tips To Keep Your Family Safe From Lithium Battery Hazards
- Check all devices at home for button batteries (remotes, toys, digital thermometers, key fobs).
- Secure battery compartments with tape if they seem loose.
- Keep loose batteries out of reach of children.
- Dispose of batteries properly through local hazardous waste programs.
- Register products with the manufacturer to receive recall alerts.
Reese’s Law is a crucial step forward, but enforcement matters. Parents deserve real accountability when manufacturers break the rules.
If you believe a defective or mislabeled product contributed to your child’s injury, contact an attorney near you for help.