How to Avoid Choking

Install child safety devices in your home. When you have young children, it's best to keep certain items out of their reach. This doesn't mean you have to get rid of these items. Instead, store them in cabinets with safety locks. You can also use special protective covers on door handles to prevent children from opening cabinets or certain room doors. Items to keep out of children's reach include:

• Latex balloons
• Magnets
• Toy figurines
• Decorations like tinsel or Christmas ornaments
• Rings
• Earrings
• Buttons
• Batteries
• Toys with small parts (like Barbie shoes or Lego helmets)
• Small balls
• Marbles
• Screws and nails
• Thumbtacks
• Broken crayons
• Staples
• Erasers
• Small stones

Check age recommendations on toys. Toys with small parts are often not suitable for young children and come with warning labels. Always follow the age guidelines provided on the packaging. Avoid giving children toys without packaging, as you won't have access to necessary safety instructions.

• When ordering kids' meals, inform the restaurant to provide age-appropriate toys for your child.

Clean up small debris or objects immediately. For example, if you spill a pack of small pasta, clean it up right away. Check thoroughly under tables and chairs for any leftover pieces. Anything on the floor can easily end up in a child's mouth.

Teach children to clean up after themselves. When children play with Legos or Barbie shoes, encourage them to tidy up after playtime. Explain the importance of being careful with small objects. Turn finding small objects into a game for school-aged children to see who can collect the most.

Supervise children during playtime. While you can't watch them every second, remain vigilant. If you notice a child picking up something dangerous, intervene immediately. Establish clear rules about what they can and cannot touch.

Cut food into small pieces. Remember, a child's windpipe is only as wide as a regular straw. Remove seeds from foods like watermelon and pit peaches. This rule applies to both children and adults.

• For hot dogs, slice them lengthwise first, then cut into smaller pieces. Remove the casing.
• Cut grapes into quarters.
• Be extremely cautious with fish that has bones (typically suitable for older children and adults, not young kids). Remind children to take small bites and remove bones before eating if possible. Avoid swallowing too quickly.

Demonstrate appropriate bite sizes for children. Teach children how big a bite should be. Additionally, they should only scoop food smaller than the size of their spoon or fork. Discuss the importance of eating slowly for safety and manners. Instead of praising them for eating quickly, compliment them for chewing thoroughly.

Explain the importance of chewing thoroughly. When discussing healthy eating habits, emphasize the significance of chewing food until it's soft and easy to swallow. Encourage children to count to 10 while chewing. Over time, they'll develop the habit of chewing slowly.

• Avoid giving hard or chewy foods until their molars are fully developed. Consult a doctor to understand your child's growth.
• Children learn by observing. Plan meals so they have enough time to eat without rushing.
• Alternate between eating and drinking. Teach them not to do both simultaneously.
• Remind them not to talk while chewing.

Eat while seated and avoid moving. Do not let young children eat while walking, standing, or moving. Whenever possible, have them sit properly at the dining table. Avoid letting them wander while eating. Additionally, refrain from eating in cars or on public transport, as sudden stops can cause choking.

Avoid foods that pose choking hazards. Children under 5 should avoid certain foods. If you still want to offer them, cut or prepare them carefully (e.g., hot dogs). While older children and adults can eat these foods normally, safety rules still apply. Foods young children should avoid include:

• Hot dogs cut into round slices
• Fish with bones
• Chunks of cheese
• Ice cubes
• A spoonful of peanut butter
• Peanuts
• Cherries
• Hard candies
• Fruits with skins (like apples)
• Celery
• Popcorn
• Raw beans
• Cough drops
• Nuts
• Caramel candies
• Chewing gum

Prepare vegetables properly. Instead of serving raw vegetables, steam, boil, or sauté them to soften their texture. This makes it easier for children to chew and swallow. Steaming is an excellent option as it retains more nutrients compared to boiling.

• Learn how to assist someone who is choking and how to perform infant first aid to stay prepared in such situations.

• If a child over 2 years old is choking, perform the abdominal thrust immediately. If you are choking, either perform the maneuver yourself or signal someone nearby to help. Place your hands on your throat. Quick action can save your life or the child's.