Babies and toddlers are curious and explore the world by putting things in their mouths – it’s a natural part of their development. Children under eight years have much narrower windpipes than adults, and are still learning to chew, swallow and breathe in the right order, which makes them far more susceptible to choking.
Food hazards can be around anytime but at certain times of the year, like halloween, bonfire night and christmas, there are more sweets, treats and party food that can make their way into little fingers.
Here’s what to watch out for, the differences between choking and gagging and how to help a choking child.
1. Boiled sweets and gum should not be given to children under 4 years old. Keep an eye out for siblings with extra treats at Halloween.
2. Mini Eggs – are only suitable for children aged four and up.
3. Sausages/hot dogs – should be cut lengthways.
4. Grapes and cherries – choking on a grape is the third most common cause of death among children who die in food-related choking incidents. The size and shape of grapes means that they can completely block a child’s airways. Cut grapes and cherries lengthways not across and remove all stones.
5. Apples – should be finely chopped or grated, or cooked until they are very soft and mushy. Also peel the apple first – the tough skin can stick in your child’s throat.
6. Marshmallows – avoid giving your baby or child under the age of four. These can swell and expand if they get stuck in your child’s throat so don’t give to children under 4.
7. Raw carrots are another choking hazard recommended to not be given to children under the age of four or five. Cut into pieces, no larger than half an inch so they can’t bite little bits off themselves.
8. Nuts and peanut butter – The NHS advises that whole nuts, including peanuts, shouldn’t be given to children under five.
9. Meat and cheese chunks – cubes are perfect for getting stuck in airways so chop, chop, chop as small as you can or mush.
10. Popcorn – there have been tragic cases of young children dying after choking on popcorn. This is because young children can’t yet chew food enough to grind it down. And that could mean unchewed pieces of popcorn get stuck and block your child’s airway.
11. Cherry tomatoes – just like grapes, make sure to cut into quarters.
A child who is choking may cough continuously until the food or liquid is expelled from the throat or airway. However, in some cases the object, food, or liquid becomes lodged in the throat, cutting off the air supply. Parents with babies often worry when weaning as they see their child gagging and red, panic and try to start back thrusts when in fact this could do more harm. So know the difference.
Here’s what a recent mum had to say on her instagram account about us:
A bit off topic but bear with me! I just spent the morning learning how to do basic first aid and CPR. It has totally blown my mind, and I can’t believe I let this slide for about 8 years! 😳 Our daughter choked on a carrot over the summer and she stopped breathing. It was absolutely terrifying, somewhere I dredged through the memory bank and managed a few back blows and then 2 abdominal thrusts and thank goodness the carrot came flying out. But it made me realise that in most emergency situations I really wouldn’t have a clue. So I would urge you all to book a refresher first aid course. If you have parents, children, a partner or look after other people’s children, or simply want to help a stranger – this is stuff we should all be able to do. Do it before you get shocked into doing it like we were. Thank you Clare @childmatters for teaching and inspiring us!! Back to saving the planet now… 😜
