It isn’t uncommon for children to put small objects into their mouths, even when they shouldn’t. This is why around one child chokes on an object every four days. We know that you’re concerned about your child’s wellbeing, which is why we thought it would be useful to put together an article that will help prevent this from happening. You can greatly reduce the risk of your young ones choking by taking simple precautions. If you want to learn more about this, read on for four tips that will prevent choking.
Watch What They Eat
Keep a close eye on what you feed your toddler, because some seemingly harmless foods can hurt your child. For instance, do you know about the popcorn choking hazard? You shouldn’t give popcorn to a child under the age of 4/5, because he or she needs all of his or her molars to properly grind it. Hot dogs also pose a risk. A hot dog can completely block a toddler’s small airway, so for safety, slice it in half longways and then cut those halves into thin chunks. Whole grapes can also block a toddler’s small airway. Peel and quarter grapes for your toddler to safely enjoy them. Peanut butter may seem harmless, but avoid it because the globby texture can stick in the child’s throat just as gum, taffy, or hard candy can.
Set Meal Rules
Always make sure your child sits up straight when they eat. If they walk around or lie down during meals, it creates a choking risk. Encourage them to chew thoroughly, because that can reduce the odds of choking on large pieces. Also, don’t let them talk with food in their mouths. Talking while their mouth is full makes it easier for food to get caught in their throats.
Give Them Toys That Are Appropriate for Their Age
Sometimes, we ignore the age warning on toys without real cause. But, age restrictions give us a heads up about potential choking hazards. There are other times when no warnings exist. As a parent, you have to screen their toys. If your child tends to chew on things, only give them toys they won’t fit into their mouths. Stuffed animals may seem safe, but they could pose a health risk if they contain plastic or marble-like eyes.
Avoid Party Balloons
When balloons get popped, they can end up on the floor where a little one can snatch them and stuff them in their mouth. The smooth latex may conform to the throat and stick, creating a serious choking hazard.
Conclusion
We hope this article proves to be useful when it comes to helping you safeguard your child’s wellbeing. As you can see, protecting your child from choking can be quite easy as long as you know what you’re doing. Be sure to keep all of these tips in mind so that you can minimize the risk of your child choking on foreign objects.
Your Kids Urgent Care provides quality medical services and urgent care for children, covering any and all kinds of ailments. Book a consultation with us today to secure your child’s health. For more information on how we can help, visit our website today!
