Choking is among the 4 major causes of children’s fatal accidents. While it is a very scary thought, it´s also easy to prevent and avoid, if you take some easy precautions. We have put together 6 ways of how you can prevent this from happening to your children. But keep in mind that a basic knowledge of CPR for children, as well as other medical advice, should be considered when it comes to your child’s safety.
- Do not give your baby solid foods too early
It’s a big step for a child to start eating solid food. But be careful with rushing it. Purees are recommended from four to six months old babies, but avoid food that must be chewed until the child is 8 months. When the child is ready to chew its food, make sure it is cut into small pieces, to prevent him or her from choking.
- Attend at each meal
Even though you ensure that your child only has things in their mouth, which are suitable for its age, accidents do happen. Make sure your child always sits up straight in a high chair when he or she eats. Small objects on the table should also be out of reach. Take it easy during every meal. Never rush your child when he or she eats. An accident happens quickly, so be attentive all the time.
- Avoid risky food
It can be tempting to let your child taste the same food that you eat. But do not give in to the temptation. A lot of what adults eat can cause a major risk of choking in young children. Some examples of these things are hot dogs, popcorn, grapes, fish with bones and nuts. A child’s throat is approximately the size of a drinking straw. Anything larger than that should be avoided.
- Do not allow to run with food
When your child runs, it is not unusual that it laughs, makes a hasty inhalation or suddenly falls. All sorts of sudden changes in a child’s breathing can suck a piece of food into the wrong throat. You can soon look forward to sound exactly as your own mother: “Don’t run with food in your mouth!”.
- Allow only toys suitable for their age
Before buying any toys or before you open gifts from its packaging, check the recommended age on the packaging. This indicates not only if the toy itself has a size appropriate for your child, but also if there are parts at risk of falling off and become dangerous to choke on.
- Check regularly if toys are damaged
Even though you only allow toys at home, that are suitable for your child’s age, you still need to regularly examine the toys to see if there are any parts loose or broken. Even a stuffed animal can become dangerous if the child bites a hole in the fabric while sucking on it. Plastic toys can break by mistake if someone steps on it. Everything that is broken, damaged or has a crack should be thrown away or repaired again before your child can play with it.
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