OSEA Safety Blog

The danger of choking is all too prominent when it comes to children. They are always getting themselves into anything and everything, which requires constant care. And let’s not forget they are always putting things in their mouths! Here are a couple of tips on how to prevent your child from choking.

1. Make sure all of the food that is served to them is cut up, grated, or sliced into small bite sized pieces. The smaller the better.
2. Make sure that when your child eats, they are always sitting up right. Never ever upside down.
3. Try to avoid foods that cannot be cut up into smaller pieces, like nuts. If it’s at all possible, try to cut up the nut in a pill slicer, this way it will be easier for your child to chew and digest.
4. This one is probably the most important; as stated before, try to keep small objects out of your child’s reach.
5. Make sure your child never overfills their mouth.
6. Make sure to only serve one course at a time so your child can focus on what is put in front of them. Do not put dessert anywhere in eyes view, this will be too distracting.
7. Make sure to demonstrate to your child the amount of food that should be on a fork or a spoon, no more than the amount shown to them is acceptable.
8. Ensure that there is no rush to finish their food.
9. The younger the child, the softer the food should be. This way it will be easier for them to swallow.
10. Try to avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods.

Children are constantly on the move, always playing, imagining, and dreaming. Help them continue to be kids and live their lives as happily and healthily as possible with these tips on how to prevent choking.

Sources:

http://helpstopchoking.hscni.net/