In the world of toys, fidget spinners have become a staple for kids over five, but their popularity comes with hidden dangers. An alarming incident involving a fidget spinner has recently captured attention, as a young girl faced a hospital visit due to a swallowed toy component.
On a recent Saturday, Texas mother Linda Harper recounted the distressing day her daughter Bella, aged 10, experienced a serious choking hazard. While returning from a swim competition, Linda heard Bella making alarming retching sounds from the back seat. Concerned, she pulled over and quickly noticed Bella’s face reddening and drool pooling around her mouth.
Linda recalls, “She pointed to her throat and indicated she had swallowed something. I attempted the Heimlich maneuver, but there was no resistance. Bella told me she had put part of her fidget spinner in her mouth to clean it and accidentally swallowed it.”
In a panic, Linda rushed Bella to urgent care, where it was unclear if the piece was lodged in her airway or esophagus. An ambulance quickly transported them to Texas Children’s Hospital, where x-rays revealed that a small metal disk, known as a bushing, was stuck in Bella’s esophagus. The attending surgeon, who had just learned about fidget spinners earlier that day during a trip to the mall, showed a particular interest in Bella’s case, being an advocate for safe toys for children.
Bella underwent endoscopic surgery to remove the lodged part. Linda expressed her relief, saying, “We had a positive outcome, but it was a terrifying experience—not just because of the initial ingestion, but also due to concerns about the object’s structure and the risks associated with general anesthesia.”
Following this ordeal, Linda felt compelled to warn other parents about the potential hazards of fidget spinners. “While many kids enjoy these toys, not all come with appropriate age warnings. The bushings can easily pop out, posing a choking hazard for younger children. If your kids are under eight, please be cautious.”
As a parent of two, aged six and eight, I’ve seen how easily these components can come loose. Thankfully, my daughter, who has a habit of putting things in her mouth, has lost interest in her fidget spinner. However, I plan to have a serious discussion with her about the dangers of such toys.
It’s important to remember that accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and parents can’t always be on high alert. The negative comments Linda received for sharing her story highlight the challenges parents face. By being open about her experience, she is not only showing courage but potentially saving another child from a similar situation.
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In summary, Linda’s cautionary tale about fidget spinners highlights the importance of monitoring children’s play and the potential hazards associated with seemingly harmless toys.