Here’s Everything You Can Do to Prevent Choking in Kids

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has requested Calico Critters to recall their toys following two choking deaths. According to the company, there have been 3 choking incidents related to the toys. It includes the death of a 2-year-old kid in New Mexico and a 9-month infant in Japan. Parents are now requested to recall the toys and claim a replacement for the same. Is it something to panic about? 75% of children’s death occur due to choking. One child in the US dies from choking every five days. The stats are alarming but there are always good ways to prevent choking in kids. 

As a parent, you should worry about everything that goes into your baby’s mouth. This helps you avoid frequent visits to the paediatrician. Babies and toddlers explore a lot of things by touching and putting them in their mouths. So, choking in kids is a common thing.  You need to take preventive measures to protect your kids. 

What is Choking?

If a baby tries to swallow anything that’s too large for their throat, the object can get stuck and choke them. Anything that blocks the airway of your baby can cause choking. If the food or any item is stuck, there’s no room for oxygen to reach your baby’s lungs and brain. Sometimes, the baby can still breathe despite the stuck object. 

What to Do if a Child Chokes? 

If the child turns blue or purple and cannot speak or cough, you need to rush them to the healthcare provider. If the child is coughing and able to talk, encourage them to cough the item out. You must call 911 if you notice the kid vomiting, coughing too much, or wheezing. Reach out for medical help if they choke on batteries, bits, and pieces of toys. Batteries have strong chemicals that can burn and toys have sharp edges that can hurt the airway. 

Essential Choking Facts You Need to Know

• Children under the age of 5 are at a high risk of choking injury. 
• The size of a young kid’s windpipes is the same size as a drinking straw. Even a piece of popcorn can choke. 
• The most nonfatal cause of choking in a young kid is food.  
• More than 12000 kids go to the hospital reporting food-related choking issues. 
• Toy manufacturers label toys that pose a potential choking risk.

What Objects are Choking Hazards for Kids?

• Meat 
• Fish with bones
• Hard candy
• Dry fruits, seeds, nuts, peanut
• Whole grapes
• Raw vegetables
• Marshmallows
• Popcorn
• Ice cubes
• Sticky, hard-textured food
• Latex balloons
• Coins
• Marbles
• Small balls
• Pen caps
• Buttons
• Screws
• Rings
• Stone
• Stapler
• Crayons
• Toys and so on

How to Prevent Choking in Kids?

• Always supervise the kid while eating. 
• Use a high chair and make sure they sit straight up.
• Children should always have a calm mealtime. Do not hurry them.
• Cut the food into small pieces. 
• Remove seeds and pits. 
• Cook vegetables to soften their texture.
• Teach safe eating habits to your kids.
• Make sure the kid chews food thoroughly.
• Offer plenty of liquids when eating. But do not give them both solids and liquids at the same time. 
• Follow food safety during holiday season
• Pay attention when they play to ensure child safety.
• Learn life-saving techniques to help a kid.

How to Choke-Proof Your Home?

Get down on the floor and look for any dangerous items. Check under furniture, between cushions, and beds. If you have older kids, make sure they don’t give away their toys to the younger ones. You should also make sure the toys are in good condition. They should also be age appropriate. Be extra careful when they play with balloons. Check the play area and remove any harmful items immediately. This way, you can prevent choking in kids to an extent. 

Final Words, 

It is unlikely to remove all the objects so parents and caregivers should learn to treat a kid who is choking. The rescue technique is different for adjust and infants so master the trick as it comes in handy.