Two dads scrambling for a sold-out superhero toy on Christmas Eve, having failed to get their act together earlier. Ireland's Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has warned about the hidden peril of water beads which can swell to an alarming size if swallowed. A recent study described two cases of intestinal obstruction caused by water beads. Water beads have also been marketed for children with sensory processing disorders and autism. At Christmas, when homes are busy and distractions are many, a little extra caution goes a long way.

Source: Irish Examiner December 22, 2025 14:10 UTC