How to Prevent Children from Choking

One of a parents many jobs is to keep their children safe. This includes making sure that your little one is not given anything that could be a choking hazzard. Many food items and toys are just not safe for little ones to have. This article explains what is safe and what should be avoided.

Let's start in the toy box. Marbles, beads, tiny blocks, and many other toys present a choking risk to both babies and toddlers. There is a rule of thumb. If a toy can not fit through a paper towel roll then it is safe. If it can then it is too small to allow your child to have. This reffers to the cardboard inside the roll. The thing that the paper towels are rolled around. It is best to not allow your child to have toys that are meant for older children. When you shop for toys make sure to read the age level on the package. Most will say "not for ages three and under" if they are a choking risk.

Christmas is right around the corner. Many grandparents and other family members will be sure to be getting your little one gifts this year. Let them know to check the packages carefully as well. It would be a shame to recieve gifts for your little one that you will not be able to let them have. Many stocking stuffers are also not safe. Candy being one of them.

Candy is a number one concern. First of all babies and toddlers should really not be consuming candy at all. On very special occasions though even I give my little ones treats. Holidays are a time of candy. Jelly beans, for example, are not safe for babies and toddlers. Choose softer and easier to chew treats. Avoid caramels, toffees, hard candies, and lollipops until your child is much older and can efficiently chew them into small enough pieces to swallow without choking.

For babies and young toddlers candy is certainly not the only concern. Many of the healthy foods that children should have can pose a choking threat as well, such as grapes. Raisins as well. Many fruits in fact cannot be eaten raw by young toddlers or babies unless very well cut up. That's the trick in preventing a choking accident: To cut up baby's food into very small, easy to manage and chew pieces.

Fruits are not the only healthy food that needs to be cut up. Meats are great for toddlers and babies but unless they are finely cut up when served they also pose a choking hazard. Same goes for hard cheese, and also many vegetables. Canned fruits and vegetables are much softer and still just as healthy.

Some foods that just should simply be avoided are things like peanuts. Foods that are small and hard are choking threats. Babies do not have the chewing skills, jaw strength, or tongue coordination to handle and properly chew such types of foods. They can easily choke on them.

You'll know if your baby is about to choke when they begin to gag on a food. That's an obvious sign to beware of that food. Make sure everything is soft enough to be chewed and swallowed well by your little one. Mash, mush, chop and dice meats, fruits, and vegetables until the time comes when your little one is big enough to safely eat them.

Always supervise baby's mealtime regardless of what they are eating to ensure that they do not choke. You being right there with your child is the best choking prevention. Also, read the packages of toys carefully. Check and see if they are safe for baby or toddler. Inform friends and family members too. Let them know and they will be sure to shop carefully, with safety in mind! Thanks for reading and take care!