A Wisconsin mother has called for water beads to be banned as bath toys following the tragic death of her 10-month-old daughter when she accidentally ate one without her parents’ knowledge. Water beads should be banned/recalled and no longer allowed to be marketed as a children’s toy,’ Taylor Bethard, Esther’s mother, told Fox News Digital. Water beads are a small, spherical, absorbent crystal traditionally used in the agriculture industry and in floral arrangements. Esther Jo Bethard, the youngest of five children, died on July 7 after being taken ill the day before – just seven weeks before her first birthday. The toys were originally intended for agricultural products and would help maintain soil moisture due to their absorbent qualities. Without her family’s knowledge, Esther had managed to swallow a water bead during her bath time. Her parents are now pushing for change to enforce restrictions over the sale of water beads as bath toys to ensure no other family goes through the same tragic incident. Similar superabsorbent polymers are used in products like baby diapers. However, they have grown in popularity as bath toys in recent years.

But in recent years, the beads have been marketed as bath toys – particularly intended to be enjoyed by small children or those with autism as a sensory aid. Taylor said her five siblings were besotted with her and had a ‘big smile that brightened up the whole room’. Esther’s bereaved mother said symptoms of swallowing a water bead are very similar to having a stomach bug – such as a baby refusing to eat, vomiting or constipation. She urged people to write to education professionals to draw attention to the possible risk and to stop using the beads. The beads have since been banned in schools in the family’s own district. She said if the bath toys cannot be taken off shelves, they at least need to warn customers of the severe life-threatening dangers that they can pose if consumed. A representative from the Consumer Public Safety Commission told the publication that it was aware of Esther’s death and that it was continuing to look into the incident. In the US there have been 248 water-bead cases between January 1, 2017, to November 22, 2022, according to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System,’ she wrote. The spokesperson added that they were working with the industry to improve warnings and would consider additional measures if changes were not made in a timely manner. Water beads are a small, spherical, absorbent crystal traditionally used in the agriculture industry and in floral arrangements. Her mother said Esther was a mischievous and adored child who loved to play in the backyard with her siblings. Taylor wrote on the page: ‘I want to provide an update, primarily because I can’t sit back and stay silent. A GoFundMe page has since been set up to help pay for Esther’s funeral expenses. The absorbent qualities can cause the bead to swell inside the body and possibly block vital tubes. Despite assuming the product was a safe bath toy the mom says she ‘never would’ve allowed my older kids to play with them’ and they wouldn’t have ever been allowed in the house. When I say she was adored, I truly mean she was adored and fiercely loved by everyone,’ the mom told Fox News Digital.

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If you’re as magpie-like about jewellery as I am, you’ll always be on the lookout for new brands and original pieces to add to your collection. Tilly Sveaas founded her eponymous brand in 2016. Born in Hong Kong to British-Norwegian parents, London-based Tilly has been a jewellery designer for over 25 years, creating her first pieces during an extended trip to Bali, where she still produces to this day. All Grove & Vae jewellery is designed in London, and created using 14k gold vermeil and rhodium-plated sterling silver. If you love keeping things unique and prefer to shop independent, these jewellery brands are worth checking out and keeping in mind for your next purchase. Her signature T-bar necklaces have been worn by the likes of Taylor Swift. Their goal is to make pieces that ‘will be your go-to for years to come’. But along with the prominent brands we all know and love, there are a load of under-the-radar gems (no pun intended) out there just waiting to be discovered. This British brand was launched in the autumn of 2024 by Tofi Caroline Adedoyin, a former investment banking director. Otiumberg positions itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand. The brand’s founders, sisters Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg, believe you shouldn’t just save beautiful jewellery for best, so the sculptural rings and earrings are as practical as they are elegant. There are so many amazing affordable and mid-range jewellery brands out there today, with a plethora of choice no matter what your style.

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The brand focuses on creating timeless, versatile pieces tailored to the modern woman’s everyday wardrobe. So she decided to make her own. I was tired of sacrificing style for quality, or my bank account for both’ says Neima Row founder Naomi Genes. Made by small workshops all over the world, each piece holds a story. Items are produced in developing countries, giving the artisans income to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. It specialises in bright, colourful jewellery. The pieces are gorgeous too – from delicate pendants to eye-catching hoops, available in either 18ct gold vermeil or sterling silver. After working in the jewellery industry for 10 years, Amelia Bainbridge saw a gap in the market for jewellery that was both beautiful and affordable – and Auree was born in 2014. All Auree pieces are made with the highest quality solid gold, sterling silver or gold vermeil and natural gemstones. The brand uses solid metals – not plated or vermeil, and promises no green fingers or brass rash. Founded by Amelia Hitchcock-Merritt in the middle of lockdown at just eighteen, Bijoux De Mimi became one of the fastest growing jewellery brands in the UK. It always came with lengthy care instructions and still tarnished after only a few wears or turned my skin green’ she says. With Love Darling believes in changing the world one piece of jewellery at a time. Think timeless glamour meets modern minimalism, without the unattainable price tag. Crystals & Co. founders (and best friends) Emily Mackeogh and Leah O’Reilly aim to accessorise peoples lives with fun, high quality affordable jewellery. Catherine ‘Catch’ Rhys Jones started her label out of a frustration with the jewellery she was buying. Prior to starting Bijoux De Mimi, Amelia attended Central Saint Martins.