New study sounds alarm on water bead dangers—what parents need to know
If you’ve ever come across water beads, you know how mesmerizing they can be—tiny, colorful balls that expand dramatically when soaked in water. Originally designed for agricultural and decorative purposes, they’ve made their way into playrooms, sensory bins, and craft kits.
But a new case report published in Pediatrics (January 28, 2025) is sounding the alarm on just how dangerous these beads can be when ingested, with potentially life-altering consequences for children.
A devastating case of water bead ingestion
The Pediatrics report highlights the case of Kipley Haugen, a 13-month-old child who developed severe intestinal obstruction, neurological impairments, and long-term developmental delays after ingesting water beads. Haugen’s daughter, Kipley, was hospitalized after unknowingly ingesting a bead that her older sister had been playing with.
“During surgery, they found the water beads had caused a blockage inside of her small intestine,” Haugen told CBS News. “Because the water beads were marketed as non-toxic, eco-friendly, and biodegradable, everybody thought that she would be fine.”
But in the weeks following her initial recovery, Kipley developed troubling symptoms, struggling with coordination and failing to respond to commands. Doctors later diagnosed her with toxic brain encephalopathy, a condition linked to chemical exposure.
Her mother, Ashley Haugen, who co-authored the Pediatrics report, is now urging for stronger warning labels and an outright ban on water beads to prevent further harm.
“”It breaks my heart, what happened to Kipley. And for me, it’s been very healing to be able to know that that pain has a purpose,” Haugen said.
Related: Lawmakers are calling for a nationwide ban on water beads
What makes water beads so dangerous?
The risk of water beads goes beyond simple choking hazards. These superabsorbent polymer beads start out tiny—small enough to resemble candy or even grains of sand. But once swallowed, they can expand over 100 times their original size, causing dangerous blockages in the digestive tract that often require surgery.
New evidence has also revealed a hidden chemical risk:
Acrylamide toxicity: Some water bead products contain acrylamide, a known carcinogen and neurotoxin, which has been linked to developmental and neurological issues in children.
Delayed symptoms: Unlike other swallowed objects, water beads can expand gradually inside the body, making early diagnosis challenging. Symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, and lethargy may not appear until days—or even weeks—later.
Not just ingestion: Water beads have been found lodged in ears, noses, and even lungs, causing infections, hearing loss, and respiratory complications.
The growing epidemic of water bead injuries
Water beads have been linked to thousands of emergency room visits in the U.S. in recent years:
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports nearly 7,800 ER visits related to water bead ingestion between 2016 and 2022.
In 2023, the CPSC confirmed the death of a 10-month-old baby after swallowing water beads.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine published a study Injuries linked to water beads have surged rapidly by 130.9% from 55 cases in 2021 to 127 in 2022.
Due to these alarming statistics, the CPSC has urged parents, caregivers, childcare centers, and schools to ban water beads entirely from children’s environments.
How to keep your child safe
Given the severe risks associated with water beads, experts recommend:
Removing all water beads from your home, especially if you have small children.
Keeping them out of reach if they are being used for other purposes (e.g., floral arrangements).
Never assuming they are “safe” because of age recommendations—even older siblings may drop or spill beads where younger children can find them.
Acting fast if you suspect ingestion. Seek immediate medical attention, as waiting could allow the beads to expand further inside the body.
Related: Water beads sold at Target recalled following death of 10-month-old baby
The bottom line
Water beads may seem harmless, but this new case study and mounting reports of injuries tell a different story. Even with supervision, these beads can easily be swallowed, hidden in toys, or stuck in ears and noses. As parents, our priority is keeping our children safe—and sometimes, that means making the tough call to eliminate seemingly fun but potentially harmful toys.
If you or someone you know has experienced an issue with water beads, you can report it to SaferProducts.gov to help raise awareness and prevent further tragedies.
Sources:
Intestinal Obstruction and Neurotoxicity. Pediatrics. 2025. “Intestinal Obstruction and Neurotoxicity Associated With Water Bead Ingestion.”
Water Beads Injured Daughter: Parent Advocate Calls for Ban. CBS News. 2025. “Mom speaks out on dangers of water beads, urges ban after daughter’s injury: “It breaks my heart”
safety precautions with water beads. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. 2025. Water Beads | CPSC.gov.
Recall of Chuckle & Roar Ultimate Water Beads. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. 2023. “Buffalo Games Recalls Chuckle & Roar Ultimate Water Beads Activity Kits Due to Serious Ingestion, Choking and Obstruction Hazards; One Infant Death Reported; Sold Exclusively at Target”
Increase in emergency department cases related to water beads. PubMed. 2025. “Pediatric water bead-related visits to United States emergency departments”
