Water beads grow up to 1,500 times their size and can block a child's intestines
Do this instead
- Keep them out of homes with children under 5Health Canada advises this even if the beads are meant for older kids.
- Use other sensory playDry rice, pasta or play dough are safer for young children.
- If you have them, store them sealed and search after playCheck under furniture and in nearby rooms for strays.
The short version
Water beads are small, colourful gel balls that look like candy. Swallowed, they keep swelling inside the body and can cause a life-threatening blockage. They often don't show up on X-rays, so a swallowed bead can be missed.
The evidence
Health Canada says the beads can expand roughly 1,500 times in water. Swallowing them can cause intestinal or bowel obstruction, and putting them in ears or noses can also cause serious harm.[1]
At least 248 water bead incidents were reported in the US between January 2017 and November 2022, including 112 swallowings. Health Canada received six reports from June 2011 to January 2023.[1]
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