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How To Prevent Children From Choking On Food

Principal Author / Publisher:Safetyhow Admin
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The thought of a child choking is a terrifying one for parents, but choking is preventable if you take proper safety steps. Food is the cause of about 50 percent of choking incidents, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Fortunately, you can easily control the environment when it comes to meals and snacks. Young children face a greater risk of choking on food, but older children can also get food lodged and experience difficult breathing. Setting rules for eating in your household can keep your kids safe at the dinner table.

Instructions

1.Plan meals when you have enough time to eat. Squeezing in meals between other activities may cause you to rush your child. Eating too fast increases the chance of choking.



2.Serve your child age-appropriate foods that she is able to easily eat. Children under 4 in particular should avoid certain foods, according to the AAP. The list includes popcorn, raw vegetables, hard fruit, nuts, seeds, large pieces of meat and cheese, gum and foods that are thick, hard or sticky, such as candy or large servings of peanut butter. Round foods, such as hot dogs and grapes, are also a risk for young children.

3.Cut food into small pieces -- the AAP recommends nothing larger than 1/2 inch -- to reduce the chance of the food getting lodged in the esophagus. Cut round foods lengthwise first instead of just cutting slices. A round slice of hot dog can still block the esophagus, but quartering the round slice decreases the choking risk.
4.Seat your child at a table to eat. Eating while running around, playing or lying on her back increases the chance of choking.
5.Remind your child to put only one piece of food in her mouth at a time. Tell her to chew her food thoroughly. Watch as she eats to ensure she follows these rules. Let her know if she's putting too much in her mouth or swallowing too soon.
6.Supervise a young child anytime she eats, especially if older kids are around or you're eating away from home. Kids Health notes that a gathering around a table may put dangerous foods intended for adults within reach of your young child. Food dropped on the floor or given to your child by an older child can also lead to choking.



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