Choking & Strangulation

Choking: Small Objects That Pose a Big Danger

Children will put almost anything in their mouths—even things that they shouldn’t. Brain damage and even death can occur within 4 minutes of choking or strangulation, so it’s important to know all the hidden dangers in your home.

STEPS TO SAFETY

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ENJOYING MEALTIME
- Be sure to cut your toddler's food into small pieces.
- Avoid small, round or hard foods that can get lodged in young children’s throats, like hot dogs, cheese sticks, nuts or grapes, until they are 4 years old.
- Always supervise mealtimes and snacktimes.
- Have young kids eat in a highchair or at the table whenever possible. Explain that they should never run, walk, play or lie down when they have food in their mouths.
- Prevent kids from eating in the car, as they are at greater risk for choking, and they may be hard to get to in the case of an emergency.
KEEP PLAYTIME SAFE
- Make sure that your children are playing with toys that are appropriate for their age, as specified by the manufacturer. For more on toy safety, go here.
- Keep small magnets away from children. Check their play areas on a regular basis to ensure that toys with magnets are not missing or loose. If you think your child has swallowed a magnet, get medical attention immediately.
- Never allow children under 8 to play with balloons, as both latex and Mylar® balloons can block their airway if they put them in their mouths.
OTHER CHOKING HAZARDS
- Get on your hands and knees and look around your home. Find and remove any small items that can pose a choking risk, like buttons, beads, jewelry, pins, marbles, coins, pens or marker caps.
- Be sure to put away things with button batteries, as young children could choke on them or swallow them. Find out more about button batteries here.
- Be aware of older children or guests who may give younger children foods, toys, or other small objects that they could choke on.
EMERGENCY TRAINING
- Learn first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Find a class in your area here.
- Call 911 if your child's airway is obstructed.