Choking Hazards Hiding in Everyday Foods and Toys

Why toddlers are at risk

Toddlers have small airways, are still learning to chew, and love to put things in their mouths, a combination that makes choking a real and leading danger in these years.

Most choking incidents involve everyday items, not exotic ones. Knowing the usual culprits and how to make them safer removes a huge amount of risk with very little effort.

The riskiest foods, and how to fix them

Round, firm, and slippery foods are the biggest offenders: whole grapes, hot dog rounds, whole nuts, popcorn, hard candy, chunks of raw carrot or apple, and globs of nut butter.

Modify rather than banish. Quarter grapes and cherry tomatoes lengthwise, slice hot dogs into thin strips (not coins), cook hard veggies until soft, grate or thinly slice apple, and spread nut butter thinly rather than in spoonfuls.

Always have your toddler sit down to eat, supervised, and keep meals calm. Eating while running, laughing, or riding in the car sharply raises the risk.

Toys and small objects

Small parts are the toy equivalent of grapes. A good rule of thumb: if an object fits through a toilet paper tube, it's a choking hazard for a toddler. Keep older siblings' small toys, coins, marbles, and deflated or broken balloons out of reach.

Learn infant and child CPR and the choking-rescue response. Being prepared, and keeping a calm plan in mind, is as important as prevention. If you have concerns about your child's chewing or frequent gagging, talk with your pediatrician.