Children under the age of 4 have the greatest risk of choking on food and small objects. Once a child begins eating table food, be very careful of certain foods. Choking occurs when objects or food enter the airway. Blocking of the airway prevents oxygen from getting to the lungs and to the brain. If the brain is deprived of oxygen for more than four minutes, death or brain damage may occur.

Prevention

• Avoid toys with small parts and keep other small household items out of the reach of young children.
• Supervise mealtime, especially for young children.
• Many choking cases occur when older brothers or sisters offer unsafe foods to a younger child.
• Cut food into small pieces for young children and teach them to chew their food well.
• Insist that children eat while sitting at the table. Children should never run, walk or play with food in their mouths.
• Keep dangerous foods from children until 4 years of age. Infants and young children do not always chew their food well and may attempt to swallow it whole. If an object can fit through a toilet paper cardboard tube, it is a choking hazard for children.

Dangerous Foods

• Hot dogs
• Nuts
• Chunks of meat
• Grapes

In addition to certain foods, household items can also be a choking hazard. Keep the following items out of the reach of young children:

• Balloons
• Coins
• Marbles
• Small toy parts
• Pen caps
• Batteries (small button-type)

The information was developed by The Family Conservancy from a variety of professional resources. This is not a standardized measurement tool.