Food for Thought
Mealtimes can be great learning opportunities and a time for families to share memories around the kitchen table. But what if your toddler’s fruits and vegetables are a recipe for disaster?
Food is the number one choking hazard for children age 5 and younger. The American Academy of Pediatrics is currently requesting that hazardous foods be designated with warning labels similar to those provided on toys with choking risks. To keep mealtime safe, pay attention to foods that could pose potential choking hazards for your child.
Top Repeat Offenders
These foods can easily cause choking risks for your child. Keep an eye out for the potentially dangerous foods on this list.
- apples
- boned chicken
- fish with bones
- grapes
- hard candy
- hot dogs (cut into circles)
- meat
- peanuts
- popcorn
- raw carrots
- sunflower seeds
“Always supervise your children when they eat and do not let them eat in the car,” says Julie McManemy, MD, MPH, emergency department pediatrician at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “Teach them to chew slowly and carefully, and make sure all food is swallowed before taking the next bite.”
If your child is choking, he or she may appear scared, and you may not immediately realize the problem. All parents should complete training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the Heimlich maneuver. You may be the only adult present when your child is in danger, and knowing these techniques can make a difference during a crisis.
To register for our CPR class, call 314.454.KIDS (5437) or 800.678.KIDS, then press 3.
