We would like to remind you of the importance of giving your child not only the correct foods but serving them in the best way to prevent the risk of choking.
Always supervise your child at meal times
A child can choke within minutes and it is usually silent. So always make sure you supervise meal times always stay close and do not turn your back on them.
It is important that children learn from a young age to sit quietly while eating; jumping, walking around and eating on the run will increase the chance food will end up in the windpipe.
Teach babies from an early age to “chew” (or gum) food well
Don’t hurry your child when eating; always allow plenty of time for meals.
Only put a small amount of food on the tray or plate at a time.
Older siblings are often not aware of what foods may cause a younger sibling to choke. Many choking accidents happen when older siblings give dangerous foods to younger children. Aim to educate your older children of the risks of sharing food without asking first.
Be aware of the high-risk foods and cut them wisely!
Avoid round, firm foods, stringy foods, and chunks under the age of 4 years old. Such foods include:
Hot dogs
Nuts
Whole grapes
Hard or sticky candy
Popcorn
Raw carrots
Other firm raw fruit or vegetable chunks
String beans and celery
Chunks of peanut butter
Cut food wisely
If you do feed your child any high-risk foods ensure that you cut them wisely,
Cut hot dogs lengthwise then slice into small pieces
Cut foods such as grapes, olives and cherry tomatoes lengthways
Cut meat and poultry across the grain, and into tiny fingertip-sized pieces.
A general rule is that food pieces should be no larger than one-half inch in any direction. If in doubt, cut food into smaller pieces
If you feel it is too big for your child to handle it probably is so cut it smaller or avoid that food until they are older.
Be prepared for any accidents that may happen. Learn first aid for choking and CPR.
Published by: Susan Roberts, Dated: October 18, 2017
