Warnings are forever being issued to parents about which household items and toys are choking hazards to small children. We carefully read the labels, listen to news reports, and do our best to be vigilant about what the little ones are sticking in their mouths.
This should also include food. Since their airways are still small, young children are at greater risk of swallowing bits of food that are too large, which can lead to choking. Whether you’re feeding them, or they’re eating by themselves, accidents can easily happen.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, food accounts for half of choking incidents in small children. To help prevent this, they’ve highlighted which foods pose the biggest risk to children under the age of 4:
Nuts can easily get caught in a child’s airway due to their size. To add to this, tiny teeth might not be able to handle chewing whole nuts, so avoid giving them nuts altogether. Sometimes, the shells from the nuts can restrict airways too. Before giving your child nuts, you should wait until they’re well over the age of 4, can sit while eating, and have learned how to chew their food completely.
2. Candy
Besides leading to cavities, hard candy such as lollipops send thousands of kids to the ER every year. Even a small piece can get stuck in a child’s throat. Avoid giving hard candy and marshmallows to your child until they’re over the age of 5 and can chew thoroughly.
3. Grapes
Due to their size and slippery texture, grapes are a major choking hazard. Doctors suggest a no-grape policy for kids under 4 or cutting them into quarters before serving them to children. Similarly shaped foods like cherries should also be avoided at this age.
According to John Hopkins, one of the biggest threats to kids under the age of 3 is hot dogs - even if you cut them up. Choking on a small piece of hot dog can lead to hospitalization if you’re not careful. If you still want to give a small child hot dogs, make sure to cut them into thin strips.
5. Meat and Cheese Chunks
Like hot dogs, chunks of cheese and meat are difficult for growing toddlers to chew. Food should be diced so that it’s no larger than ½ inch, and your child should be supervised at all times while eating these foods.
6. Peanut Butter
Nut butters can get stuck to the roof of the mouth and the throat. For kids under 2, skip the globs of peanut butter and other nut butters. When serving to toddlers, spread a thin layer of it onto bread or crackers.
7. Gum
Chewing gum can cause dangerously sticky situations for small children. They’re prone to trying to swallow it or accidentally inhaling it while chewing. Don’t give gum to small children at all.
Vegetables should be cooked until soft, and cut into small pieces that are no larger than ½ inch in size. It’s suggested to avoid stringy veggies such as celery or string beans altogether. Chunks of raw vegetables or fruits, such as carrots or apples, should be avoided until the children have learned to chew.
9. Popcorn
Popcorn shouldn’t be given to children until they’re at least 4. Many toddlers and infants have to visit the ER each year due to kernels getting lodged in their airways.
Source: tiphero
Images: depositphotos
10 Foods You Should Stop Eating Once You Hit 40!
As we age, we need to start paying more attention to the food that we eat. Here are 10 foods that you shouldn't eat once you hit 40.
Feeling Down? These 10 Foods Can Help Improve Your Mood
The food that we eat can help increase our moods and get rid of depression. Find out more here!
Going Gray? Add These 7 Foods to Your Shopping List!
Adds these foods to your weekly shopping list to prevent your hair from turning gray.
Why Drinking Too Much Water is Worse Than Too Little
It’s always important to remember not to get dehydrated, but you need to know that there is such a thing as overhydration, and it can be very dangerous too.
Low on Estrogen? Add These 8 Foods to Your Diet...
If you have been told that you need to boost your estrogen levels, here are 8 foods that you should consider adding to your diet.
You'd Best Think Twice Before Consuming These Delicacies!
Here are 10 dishes that can give you an adrenaline rush stronger than that from any roller-coaster, while testing your luck better than the lottery.
10 Worst Things to Say When Talking to Your Grandchildren
In this article, we will look at some of the things you should never say to your grandchildren.
Study: Why It's Crucial to Talk to Toddlers
This study sheds light on why it's so important to speak to toddlers and how best to go about it.
Solving 10 Food-Related Problems Some Parents Face
we have gathered 10 common problems and the best solutions to address them, assisting you to get through each family dinner or feeding the baby with ease.
These "Harmless" Remarks Can Negatively Impact Children
Avoid saying these seemingly innocent phrases around kids; they confuse them.
Roll Down Your Car Window & Enjoy these Scenic U.S Routes
Roll down your car window and feast your eyes on some of the west's most breath-taking landscapes.
Remember This 6-Letter Phrase to Mend Passive Aggression
Emotional intelligence experts swear by this one simple 6-phrase to stop passive aggression in its tracks.
9 Ways to Help Out Children With Anxiety
These nine strategies will enable you to support your children effectively, strengthening their mental well-being while helping them navigate their anxiety.
How to Raise Happy Children: 10 Scientific Steps!
The most important thing for kids' success is their happiness, and these 10 top tips for getting your kids and grandkids happy are backed by science!
10 Easy and Fun Drawing Tutorials For Kids and Beginners
If you need a creative activity to keep the little ones engaged, look no further than these 10 fun and easy animal drawing tutorials!
Which Occupations Cheat the Most? The Answers are In...
Research indicates that certain professions tend to have a higher likelihood of infidelity.
Does Your Child or Grandchild Sit in This Dangerous Pose?
There is a worrying argument that one of the most common kneeling poses that children make is damaging their health.
The Speech EVERY Generation Should Hear...
Jack Webb Dragnet giving one of his most compelling speeches to youngsters complaining about the state of the country.
A Beautiful Old Tale: The Lion and the Mouse.
Share a lovely tale with anyone who loves bedtime stories in classic style!
8 Signs It's Time to Sever Ties From a Family Member
Sometimes, it’s important to sever ties with a family member who has been nothing but toxic to you.
How to Be a Very Good Grandparent: 28 Foolproof Steps
There's plenty of advice out there for parenting, but everyone assumes grandparenting is too simple to be explained - how wrong they are!
Nine Couples Games that Can Strengthen Relationships
Each game is designed to make you a more loving and understanding couple, whether you are just starting out or have been married for years.
Parenting Tips: How to Put a 2 Year Old to Bed
This video tutorial offers practical solutions tailored for your 2 year old's bedtime.
Couples Who Stay Together Forever Have 19 Things In Common
Although it looks like everlasting love is but a mere stroke of luck, there are 19 secrets that are shared by all couples that get to experience it...
Find a Deep Reflection of the Modern World in These Images
Modern society has plenty of drawbacks. An artist has brilliantly depicted some of the stark realities of the modern world through his work.
This Devoted Dad Has Some Words to Share....
Michael Mitchell is a devoted American father who collects tips from various fathers about raising kids, and these are some of his most interesting!
There's a Reason Why Women are Sensitive...
When a woman cries, there's always a deeper reason behind it. Sometimes she just needs to let go what's inside of her. See this beautiful story.
This Father Has the Cutest Way of Handling His Baby...
This father will do anything to help his baby sleep...
Children of the Past: Historical Photos of Kids Having Fun
19 Nostalgic photos of children having fun playing outside.
Darling Child, Here are 8 ‘Sorrys’ I Meant to Tell You
Dear child, I love you, I always have and I always will, but there are many things I should apologize for. Here are 8 of my 'sorrys'.
This Letter Expresses a Parent's Love For Their Child...
This heartwarming letter is definitely one to share with our children and let them know just how much they mean to us.
Celebrating a Bond Between Grandmother and Grandson...
This short video is a gentle and beautiful example of loving your family.
They Taught Us Our Multiplication Tables All Wrong!
Most multiplication tables are designed really badly, so hardly anyone can learn from them. Read on to see what a real times table looks like.
12 Classic Christmas Stories All Children Will Love
Enjoy the holidays with your kids by reading one of these heartwarming Christmas books to your kid.
Everyone Deserves Self-Care: 6 Easy Tips for Parents
A reminder for parents to take time for themselves. 6 small ways to practice self-care in a parent's busy everyday life.
What Happens When Parents Have a Favorite Child?
What Happens When Parents Have a Favorite Child?
How to Answer Children's Toughest Questions
Answer your children's burning questions and find new questions to keep the conversation going at every age.
How to Get Your Child to be Serious When Appropriate
How do you establish boundaries and make sure your child is behaving seriously at solemn occasions.
The Good and Bad White Lies in a Relationship
Four scenarios where it is acceptable to tell a white lie and 4 in which it is not permissible under any circumstances.
9 Ways to Help Kids Study Pleasurably, Easily & Memorably
Studying is one of the things people don't often enjoy. That is because they haven't been taught how to study. Here are 9 scientifically proven tips.
How to Tell Your Children You Have Cancer
What's the right way to tell your children you have cancer, and are there situations where you shouldn't?
8 Food Combinations Perfect for a Growing Baby
Not only will these combinations put a smile on your little one's face, but they will also contribute significantly to their overall health.
This Mother's Letter to Her Daughter Touched Me Deeply
There is nothing quite like a mother's love for her daughter, as this heartbreaking letter reveals. Prepare to be moved.
How to Talk to Your Children About War & Conflict
As parents, how should you explain to your children about war? Here’s a guide that draws on expert opinions and research to help.
How to Deal With Parental "Burnout"
Parental burnout is a problem that can affect anyone, and it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of it.
They May Drive You Crazy, But Family is Family!
Family can drive you crazy but at the end of the day you can't help but love them. Here are some beautiful and funny quotes and pictures to make your day.
What Life Looks Like for British Royal Babies
Discover the cool and surprising facts about the Royal family's babies, the only babies in the world who are given passports at birth.