8 Popular Foods That Can Be a Choking Hazard for Your Baby

Children generally start eating more solid foods from ages 1 to 3.  However, during this time they are at the highest risk of choking as their windpipes are very narrow for chunks of food to pass smoothly. Remember, not all foods are the same and some textures can be tricky to handle because the little ones have not mastered the art of chewing.

Pay close attention to your children during meal times while also keeping in mind their tendencies and chewing abilities. For parents weaning their baby off of milk and introducing solid foods, here’s a rundown of some popular food items that can be potentially problematic for the young ones. You should also inform your child’s caregiver at their play centre regarding these foods to ensure your little ones are safe even when you’re not around.

 

Cashews, almonds, peanuts, and the like, are difficult to chew and have the tendency of getting sharp edges once bitten into. This is why its best to avoid these food items and to opt for other alternatives such as seeds or nut butter spreads. This may be applied on lightly toasted bread or mixed into oatmeal or a smoothie.

Though a definite favourite for most families, they pose a choking hazard for the little ones. This happens due to their compressibility and round shape. However, if you still choose to give this food item to your toddler, the safest thing to do is to cut it up lengthwise into very small pieces so it’s easier for them to chew and swallow it.

This food item is fine for babies, but only as long as it’s prepared properly. You can slice them up vertically either in quarters or halves. This makes the pieces skinny, long and easy to chew, preventing any accidents from taking place. For young toddlers, it's best to feed them grapes which have both been cut up and have their skin removed.

When feeding your child cheese or meats, you should ensure that they’ve been cut into smaller pieces which are easily manageable by them. Avoid cutting anything into strips as children can easily bite off a big piece without even realizing it and it could be too much for them to handle. You may also give them ground, shredded and cooked meat.

The tiny kernels of popcorn can be difficult for the young ones to chew since they are very dry. The size and texture can make it difficult to both chew and swallow them effectively. Puffed popcorn or rice cakes are a better option for toddlers who enjoy a little bit of crunch in their food.

 

Food items such as celery sticks, carrots, cucumber slices, apple slices and other kinds of raw and hard vegetables can be difficult for young ones to chew. Though you can most certainly shred them, it's better to choose softer foods like apples and cut them into thin slices. Another thing you can do to make these foods safer is to steam or lightly cook them.

 

Sticks or cubes of bread can easily get stuck on the roof of your child’s mouth unless they’re at least over a year old. However, you can give them lightly toasted bread that has been cut into small pieces. Also, cut items like muffins and waffles into small cubes and ensure they have plenty of liquid close by.

Due to the size, shape, and texture of soybeans, it is easy for them to slip into your child’s airway and suffocate them. It’s the same with edamame. This is why, despite their great nutrition profile, it isn’t a good idea to give these foods to younger children.

You should also ensure that your child sits in one place quietly and chews the food properly. Children who don’t fully focus on their food are at a significantly higher risk of choking. Higher activity levels during meal times such as talking, running or walking can increase the risk too.