How to Prevent Children From Choking on Food

According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Children choking can run the risk of death, permanent brain damage caused by lack of oxygen, or other complications associated with airway blockage.” Although kids can choke on items like balloons, coins and marbles, Safe Kids USA says that “most choking incidents in children involve food.” Minimize your kids’ chance of choking on food by following these steps.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

How to Prevent Children from Choking on Food

1. Refrain from serving children overcooked meats. Overcooked beef, chicken and pork can be tough for kids to chew and swallow, especially when they haven't developed all of their teeth.

2. Steam vegetables before serving them to children under 4 years old. Steaming vegetables will make them easier for children to chew and swallow. If you insist on serving raw vegetables, cut them into thin strips.

3. Supervise children while they are eating to ensure they take small bites and chew their food properly before swallowing.

4. Don’t serve children under 5 years old hard candies, nuts, or whole grapes. They can easily slide down the throat and cause airway obstruction.

5. Cut hot dogs into small pieces before serving them to children under 5 years old. If a hot dog gets stuck in a child's esophagus, it can swell and be difficult to dislodge.

6. Learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), first aid and the Heimlich maneuver. Being properly trained to know what to do in a choking emergency can save your child's life, or minimize risk of suffering permanent brain damage due to lack of oxygen.