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\"Younger children under the age of 5 are curious and they're actively learning and developing new skills,\" Samuel told \"GMA,\" adding that children are also exploring their senses, including taste.

\"Which is why we often find toddlers putting things in their mouth around the home,\" she said. \"It's important if you have button batteries around the house that you store them in a safe and secure place.\"

Garrett said the battery that Mahziere swallowed was a battery from a watch. She learned this after Googling the serial numbers on the battery, she added.

Garrett said her son may have gotten a hold of the battery while playing at a relative's house.

Her message to other parents is to be overly attentive to your kids, especially small children.

\"PHOTO:
TaSha Garrett
PHOTO: A toddler named Mahziere, 1, accidentally ingested a button battery, which was surgically removed on Sept. 24 at IU Health Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seen in this undated photo is the battery which Mahziere swallowed.
>

\"They move really fast. Even if you think you're watching them, you have to be mindful that kids move quicker than you,\" Garrett said. \"If a lot of times people are watching your kids or your kids are going places, warn others what your child is capable of and getting into. Let them know your child is Curious George.\"

\"It was definitely scary,\" she added. \"I watched him from going to a breathing tube and not being [himself]. It's a very traumatic experience for the child and the parent.\"

According to Safe Kids, when a button battery is swallowed, the saliva triggers an electrical current.

\"This causes a chemical reaction that can severely burn the esophagus in as little as two hours,\" the organization writes on its website.

In addition, symptoms of battery ingestion could be tricky to recognize but may include coughing, drooling and discomfort.

\"PHOTO:
TaSha Garrett
PHOTO: An Indiana mother whose toddler, Mahziere, 1, ingested a battery is speaking out in hopes to warn parents of this potential risk. The battery was removed late Sept. 2020 at IU Health Riley Hospital for Children.
>

\"If you think a child has swallowed a button battery, go to the emergency room right away,\" Samuel said. \"No eating, no drinking and don't induce vomiting.\"

Samuel said parents can also call the National Battery Ingestion Hotline (800-498-8666) for additional treatment information.

Here are tips on how to stay safe, according to Safe Kids:

-Keep greeting cards, remotes, cameras, watches, flameless candles and any other items that may contain batteries out of reach.

-Keep loose batteries locked away.

-Place a piece of duct tape to secure battery compartments.

-Search your home and any place your child goes for items that may contain coin-sized lithium batteries.

-Share this life-saving information with caregivers, friends, family and babysitters.

-If you have any doubts, bring your child to the hospital and request an x-ray.

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