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PSA - Choking hazards for young children

the_infernal_optimist posted on Nov 02, 2006 | views: 361 | Tags: choking, PSA, PSAs, parenting, hazards
This is in NO way a comprehensive list, but I'll add to it as I find more.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding these foods for children under 4:
  • Hot dogs
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Chunks of meat or cheese
  • Whole grapes
  • Hard, gooey or sticky candy
  • Popcorn
  • Chunks of peanut butter
  • Raw vegetables
  • Raisins
  • Chewing gum
My little one choked today on a small piece of meatloaf - I didn't see it as a danger, because she's had it before and it was very tender and sized appropriately, but after looking at that list, perhaps I should avoid it in the future. She's ok, thank God, but she could easily not have been. If someone makes a smarter decision because of this post, then maybe some other kid won't choke and his or her parents won't go through the terror I did.

You can learn about other, non-food choking hazards and how to minimize the danger here.

/off soapbox


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Comments

  • silverwhisper said on Nov 03, 2006....
    thank you, infernal.

    ed
  • boyzmom said on Nov 03, 2006....
    I am thankful that your child is all right, but it is difficult to avoid all food that a youngster may choke on. My son used to choke on graham crackers and applesauce.
  • silverwhisper said on Nov 03, 2006....
    boyzmom: graham crackers i can understand, but applesauce?  really?  weird!

    ed
  • nytquill17 said on Nov 03, 2006....
    You must've been so scared...I can't imagine the terror racing through you at that moment.  I don't think any non-parent could.  I'm glad everything turned out okay.  Ever the level-headed one (at least compared to how most of us would be!) your first course of action is to ask, "Well, what do I need to do now?"  That's so -you- ;)

    Give little one an extra hug or two for me.
  • Zayda said on Nov 03, 2006....
    Choking on applesauce has to do with the consistency, especially if it's being eaten with the graham crackers.  The graham crackers when chewed with the applesauce make for a pastey consistency that can cause choking.  It's the same reason that peanut butter can cause choking.

    Strawberries, btw, can be just as dangerous as whole grapes. As can cantoloupe chunks or any kind of melon chunks.  Grapes can easily be halved though, to help alleviate some of the problem.  And it's better to thinly slice strawberries and mellons than to halve the strawberries or chunk the melons.
  • funfreak2k2 said on Nov 03, 2006....
    but these are the things children like most and cry until they are given.

    god bless our children. 

    Pls visit me to read a poem.
  • Zayda said on Nov 03, 2006....
    Funfreak--Just because a child cries for something doesn't mean it's a good idea to give it to him/her.
  • the_infernal_optimist said on Nov 03, 2006....
    Zayda is right - on the applesauce + crackers and on the not giving in. You'd be surprised what all kids can choke on, but I think the AAP's list is still a valuable resource even if it doesn't have everything. Really, ANYTHING can be choked on. (When's the last time you spluttered drinking water because it went down wrong?) Still, it's good to avoid common hazards altogether when they're this young.
  • nytquill17 said on Nov 03, 2006....
    It's the funniest thing, Infernal - I was going to mention the water thing in my comment but couldn't get it to come out right, especially considering I'm only involved secondhand, so I left it out.  But now you said it! ;)

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freshness posted on Nov 11, 2009 | views: 36 | Tags: PSA, thats the good stuff, laugh it off
this psa is regarding your use of your bullshit tags on my posts. don't fuckin do it...... read entire post 85 comments