Top Tips For Choking Prevention

If you're looking for the different between choking and gagging have a read of our choking vs gagging resource on the library.

Here you will find our top tips for reducing choking hazards in the diet and around the home.

Cut foods appropriately :)

Basically, anything with a smooth round shape needs to be altered to serve safely.

• Slice cherry tomato's into quarters
• Slice grapes into quarters
• Large blueberries should be sliced or squished
• Sausages should be sliced lengthways into quarters and removing the skin is recommended for younger babies.
• Cheese sticks sliced lengthways into quarters.
• Foods with pits like cherries and olives should have the pits removed and be quartered.
• Citrus fruits should have the membrane removed.
• Deli meats such as salami should be served sliced into thin strips without long pieces of the rind intact.
• Lettuce leaves etc are also a common choking hazard which are less well know.
• Cooking things like baby spinach and rocket to soften and puree are a more appropriate way to serve these foods to small babies.

Avoid foods that can't be served safely

We have 2 rules when it comes to choking hazard foods. If it can't be squished by your tongue on the roof of your mouth its most likely a choking hazard. If you can't squash it between two fingers it's also likely to be a choking hazard. Things such as lollies (hard and chewy), popcorn, whole nuts, raw hard veggies or raw hard fruits should be avoided.

Feed your child in an appropriate setting

Do not allow them to run around or play whilst eating. If a child is running with food in their mouths this increases the risk of choking. Having baby in an upright position is also best. Eating whilst reclined can increase the likelihood of choking (so no feeding in bouncers!). A high chair that provide good stability for feet (and meets the 90/90/90 rule we talk about here helps with safety too).

Always stay with baby when eating

We know how tempting it can be to have a quick shower or take out the garbage whilst your little one is having a snack, but we cannot stress enough how important it is to remain close and always supervise well whilst they are eating. Choking is usually silent and they can go from fine to grave danger in a split second. Always keep them in your line of sight and reach when eating.

Keep other hazards out of reach

Choking hazards extend well beyond foods. There are many common items around the house that can pose a threat. The most sinister ones that come to mind are button batteries, however many other things such as marbles, batteries, bobby pins, small toys, lego, magnets, pen lids, jewellery, eyes from stuffed animals, uninflated balloons, leaves from trees etc can all be choking hazards. Doing a quick sweep of your home each day to ensure these items are tucked safely away from baby is highly recommended.