Grapes, hot dogs, batteries … kids can choke on plenty of items. Avoiding choking hazards for babies and kids is important for parents. And for little ones, many parents say that the reason toddlers and older kids may choke on items is because they aren’t taught to properly bite, chew and swallow early on. However, Megan Brennard, M.D., a pediatric emergency medicine physician in Murfreesboro and an affiliate with TriStar Centennial Medical Center says that’s only the tip of the iceberg.
“Introducing solid foods too soon can pose a choking hazard merely due to a child’s developmental stage,” says Brennard. She adds that a baby should be able to do the following things to start solid foods safely:
— Sit upright mostly on his own
— Hold his head up for long periods of time
— Move food from the spoon to the back of the mouth (young babies have a protective “tongue-thrust” reflex that pushes things out of the mouth with the tongue. This is usually present in babies under 4 – 6 months of age)
— Imitate caregivers by reaching for food or opening the mouth when a spoonful of food is presented
“Starting solid foods after your baby has developed these signs of safe feeding helps them learn different textures and temperatures of food more safely as you introduce new foods,” adds Brennard.
But choking can come from plenty of other items around your home.
Common Choking Hazards for Babies and Kids
Choking on inanimate objects or even food starts earlier than you think.
“Young children 6 months – 3 years are at the highest risk for choking,” says Brennard. “Children in this age group naturally explore their environment by putting things into their mouths. But even older children can choke on small food or objects, especially if they’re walking, running or playing while eating.” This may also include talking while eating as many do in the cafeteria at school.
When you pack your tot’s snack or your school child’s lunch, consider the choking hazards. “The most common food items include hot dogs, whole grapes, raw carrots, hard candy, nuts, seeds or popcorn,” says Brennard. “The most common non-food items are coins, small toys and button batteries.”
Brennard also adds that latex balloons are among the most deadly choking hazard. Did you know that while peanut butter is smooth and mashable, it’s harder for little ones to swallow? It’s on the list for unsafe foods for tots along with marshmallows, gum and more.
Be At the Ready
If a choking incident does happen, you should know how to help your child.
“If he is able to talk and/or has a strong cough, allow him to continue coughing,” says Brennard. “If he cannot breath at all or turns pale, take action immediately and call 911.”
If you’re unsure of how to help your child if he’s choking, don’t be afraid to talk to your pediatrician. If you can, take the time to learn CPR. You can also review this first-aid content for choking from Vanderbilt Health.
How to Measure Choking Hazards
You know you need to cut Baby’s food into tiny pieces to prevent choking, but what about non-food items found around the house? Without someone there to tell you it’s a choking hazard, you can figure it out on your own with this handy tip: see if it fits into a toilet paper roll.
“Preventing a choking hazard is the best way to keep your child safe from a choking event,” says Brennard. “Any item that is less than 1.5 – 1.75 inches or anything that can fit inside a toilet paper roll could be a choking hazard.”
Tips for Safety’s Sake
- Prepare and cut food into small, bite-size pieces for young children: Cut grapes into quarters, cut hot dogs the long way and then into pieces (also removing the skin), and cook vegetables instead of serving raw.
- Teach children to chew their food completely before swallowing.
- Supervise mealtime with young children. Many choking cases occur when older brothers or sisters offer unsafe food to a younger child.
- Insist that children sit while they eat. They should never play, walk or run with food in their mouths.
- When purchasing toys, look for sturdy construction and follow age recommendations. For children under age 3, avoid toys with small parts. A toy is too small if it passes easily through an empty cardboard toilet-paper tube.
- Remind older children to store their toys and games with small parts out of reach of younger siblings.
- Examine toys regularly for damaged or broken parts.
- If you have child who is learning to walk or crawl, get down on the floor often to check for objects that could be put into the mouth and cause choking.
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