Choking Hazard Checklist

Watching a young child make the transition from liquids to solid foods has made more than one parent nervous about the possibility of choking. And it is a valid concern. It takes time for a child to learn how to coordinate chewing and swallowing activities. This inexperience combined with a small upper airway makes young children particularly vulnerable to aspirating food.

Some foods are particularly risky for children younger than 5. To be safe, avoid serving foods that are large, round, cylindrical or spherical, dry and difficult to break apart.

SERVE ONLY AFTER CUTTING INTO SMALLER PIECES

• Hot dogs (be sure to cut them lengthwise)
  
   
• Raw carrots or apples (grate them into easy-to-chew shreds)
  
   
• Grapes

FOODS TO AVOID COMPLETELY

• Nuts
  
   
• Popcorn
  
   
• Hard candies

Always supervise your child during meals, and make sure your child remains seated while eating. Never let your child run or play with food in the mouth.

CHOKING AND TOYS

Tasting is one way children learn about the world around them. This is why parts of toys and other small items often wind up in the mouth. To be safe:

• Keep shiny coins, small balls and balloons out of reach
  
   
• If a toy has batteries, be sure your child can't get to them
  
   
• Keep toys belonging to older children out of reach
  
   
• Purchase toys appropriate for your child's age. Don't be tempted to buy toys designed for older children because your child acts more mature.

You can purchase a small parts tester at many children's stores or use a tube from a role of toilet paper. If the piece fits into the tube, it is a choking hazard. Put it away until your child is older.

LEARN INFANT/CHILD CPR

When a child is choking, every second counts. The Heimlich maneuver is taught as part of the CHOC Infant/Child CPR class. For more information or an upcoming class schedule, please call CHOC Community Education at (714) 532-8886.