Choking Hazards

A recent article in the New York Times discussed some of the most dangerous choking foods. You might be surprised by many of the foods because most are common among households and frequently consumed by children.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/25/health/25choke.html

So here's a few tips from Susan Helms, Director Injury Prevention and Safe Kids Mid-South at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, to prevent choking:

• actively watch children when they are eating or playing
• for children under age 3, avoid small, round or hard foods (i.e., hot dogs, hard candies, peanuts, popcorn, grapes)
• follow warning labels on toys; look for small parts that can choke a child
• check floors and low places for small objects like buttons, beads, coins, pins, marbles
• avoid rubber balloons, including broken balloon pieces- HUGE choking hazard
• learn CPR for infants and children- just in case

Featured Gear! Use a small parts tester (or a toilet paper roll)- If objects fall completely through the tester, they are a choking hazard. Testers can be found at toy stores or baby safety aisles- about $2.00 for piece of mind!