Water beads pose 'serious risk for babies and toddlers', watchdog warns

Water beads are made of a superabsorbent polyment and can retain hundreds of times their weight in water and is a product that is used increasingly as a toy

Water beads pose a "serious risk" to babies and toddlers the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has warned, as it announced a child safety warning on the products. 

Water beads, which are also known as gel beads or sensory beads, put young children at risk of choking and could include blockages in ear canals and internal organs. This can result in hearing loss and bowel obstruction.