Young children explore the world with their mouths, and their airways are small. Most choking incidents happen at home, during meals or play. The good news: a few everyday habits make a big difference.
At mealtimes
- Cut round foods lengthwise. Grapes, cherry tomatoes, blueberries and small sausages should be cut into quarters lengthwise for young children.
- Skip whole nuts for under-5s. Offer smooth nut butters or finely ground nuts instead (if there's no allergy).
- Avoid hard sweets, popcorn and marshmallows for toddlers and preschoolers.
- Sit down to eat. Children should eat seated and upright, not while walking, running, playing or in the car without supervision.
- Stay close. Always supervise babies and young children while they eat.
Around the house
- Do the toilet-roll test. If a toy or object fits through a toilet-paper tube, it's small enough to be a choking hazard for a child under 3.
- Check toys for age labels and loose parts, and keep older siblings' toys separate.
- Store coins, magnets, button batteries, caps and balloons out of reach. Button batteries and magnets are especially dangerous if swallowed; seek medical help immediately if you suspect this.
Be ready anyway
- Learn choking first aid. A certified paediatric first-aid course teaches you back blows, thrusts and CPR hands-on. It's the single best thing you can do.
- Make a plan. Save your emergency number (112), keep your emergency kit in a known spot, and make sure grandparents and babysitters know the plan too.
Some families also add an anti-choking suction device such as KIDMOMA to their kit as an extra aid. It never replaces first aid or emergency services, but it can be part of a well-prepared home.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Follow the guidance of your local health authorities and first-aid organisations.