Overview

Young children can easily choke on everyday objects and food. You can help prevent your child from choking by offering the right kinds of foods, teaching your child safe eating habits, and keeping an eye out for choking hazards.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Know how to select and prepare foods. For example, choose soft foods that can be cut up into small pieces, such as cooked carrots. Avoid round, firm foods such as hot dogs, grapes, nuts, and raisins.
• Make certain areas for eating, such as the kitchen table or dining room. Teach your child to sit down while eating and to chew carefully.
• Keep small objects out of your child's reach. In general, objects smaller than 3 centimetres (1.25 inches) in diameter and 6 centimetres (2.25 inches) long are choking hazards. Examples include coins, buttons, and bottle caps.
• Do not allow your child to eat while walking, running, playing, or riding in a car. Never leave rubber bands or deflated balloons around the house where children can reach them.
• Do not allow young children to chew gum or eat hard candy.
• Learn to recognize the signs of choking so you can react quickly. For example, a child who is choking can't talk, cry, breathe, or cough.