Choking can be life threatening when a child swallows or inhales
an object or food that blocks his airways. To decrease the risk
of choking: - Mash, puree, or blend your baby's food thoroughly
before serving it. For toddlers, cut all foods into smaller-
than-bite-size pieces. - Make sure that your child is sitting
down while he eats, and never leave him unattended during meals.
- Do not allow your child to play games with his food -- filling
his cheeks like a chipmunk or catching popcorn in his mouth, for
example. Teach him to chew and swallow before talking or
laughing. - Keep your child away from garbage, especially any
kitchen trash that he can swallow, such as eggshells or pop tabs
from soda cans. - Choose age-appropriate toys that do not
contain small parts. If you have older children, keep their
toys, which may contain choking hazards, out of your toddler's
reach. - Purchase Mylar balloons instead of the rubber kind, and
never let your child chew on a balloon, which he could inhale.
Copyright © 2000 Daph