Choking is a preventable cause of death in young children. In children under four years, choking may be caused by small objects such as toys or balloons and certain foods. Children less than four have several factors placing them at risk for choking. They are still learning to chew foods completely and swallow appropriately. They may not know to avoid swallowing seeds in some common foods. They also tend to rush while eating and risk swallowing incompletely chewed foods. Lastly, they may lack the dental development to chew some hard foods thoroughly.
There are many foods to avoid in young children. Some soft foods such as hot dogs, sausage links, and grapes must be sliced and chopped into small pieces. These foods, although soft, could occlude your child’s airway if swallowed whole due to their size and shape. Also be careful to avoid caramels, taffy, and spoonfuls of peanut butter. Hard foods to avoid include nuts (like peanuts), hard candies, raw carrots, raw celery, raw peas, raw cherries with pits, popcorn, watermelon with seeds, and oranges with seeds.
Prevention is the key in minimizing the risk of choking. Prepare foods appropriately for your child and avoid choking hazard foods. Teach your child to eat slowly and chew his food completely. Remind siblings, baby sitters and others who have contact with your child to avoid sharing these foods with your toddler.
For more information: