Most parents are well aware that young children can be susceptible to choking when they begin to eat solid food. However, there may be some foods that you think are safe to feed small children that can actually pose some risk. Following are some of the foods that it is best not to feed young children (from toddlers up to age five).
Large Chunks of Anything – Large pieces of any type of food can get stuck in a child’s throat and cause them to choke. Doctors recommend that you cut food into pieces measuring ½” or less. Other precautions include cutting grapes in half and splitting hot dogs lengthwise then cutting them into small half moons. It’s also best to finely chop or shred meats and cheeses.
Vegetables – Avoid feeding your child raw vegetables that are hard. It’s best to cook the veggies until soft and then cut them into small pieces.
Seeds and Nuts – It’s best not to feed your child seeds or foods that contain seeds (such as sesame and poppy seeds that are often used in baked goods). That’s because seeds can become stuck in a child’s throat and cause an infection. Also avoid any type of nuts (peanuts, cashews, pecans, etc.), which can cause choking.
Crunchy or Hard Foods – Hard foods such as pretzels, popcorn, peanut brittle and all types of hard candies pose a choking hazard to small children.
Chewy Foods – Gummy candies, marshmallows, chewing gum, dried fruit or any type of chewy or sticky foods are all choking hazards.
