Families For Life | Choking Prevention and Choking Risks-Young Children

911594270_Choking_Prevention_and_Choking_Risks

Although children are becoming more independent eaters, they can still choke on food and small objects. Items small enough to fit through a toilet paper roll or similar-sized opening can pose a choking hazard. Keeping these items out of reach and teaching safe eating habits can help prevent accidents.

Common Choking Hazards

Foods to Watch Out For

Some foods can be difficult for young children to chew and swallow safely, including:

  • Whole nuts, seeds and popcorn

  • Sausages and hot dogs

  • Meat or fish with bones

  • Hard snacks such as crackers and chips

  • Sweets, marshmallows and chewing gum

  • Whole grapes, cherry tomatoes and other small round fruits

  • Raw vegetables such as carrots

  • Stringy foods like celery and pineapple

Small Objects Around the Home

Children may still put items in their mouths out of curiosity. Keep these objects out of reach:

  • Coins

  • Button batteries

  • Small magnets

  • Pen caps

  • Jewellery

  • Tablets, chewable vitamins and stickers

  • Pebbles and other small outdoor objects

Toys and Play Items

Check toys regularly for loose or broken parts. Choking risks include:

  • Marbles

  • Small toy pieces

  • Detached toy eyes or buttons

  • Deflated or broken balloons

  • Small building blocks or beads

Safe Eating Habits

Help your child eat safely by:

  • Sitting down for meals and snacks

  • Avoiding eating while running, playing or lying down

  • Taking small bites and chewing thoroughly

  • Eating calmly without talking excessively, laughing or crying with food in their mouth

  • Having an adult nearby during meals

Preparing Foods Safely

You can reduce choking risks by:

  • Cutting round foods, such as grapes and cherry tomatoes, into smaller pieces

  • Removing bones from meat and fish

  • Cooking or grating hard fruits and vegetables

  • Peeling tough fruit skins when needed

Making Your Home Safer

  • Store small objects out of children's reach.

  • Check floors, sofas and play areas regularly for loose items.

  • Choose age-appropriate toys and follow the manufacturer's age recommendations.

  • Keep button batteries secured inside devices and stored safely when not in use.

  • Encourage older siblings to keep small toys, beads and building blocks away from younger children.

When Children Need Extra Care

Some children may have a higher risk of choking due to medical or developmental conditions that affect chewing or swallowing. If your child has additional needs, speak with your doctor or healthcare professional about the best ways to keep them safe during meals and play. Knowing basic choking first aid can also help you respond quickly in an emergency.