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Preventing Choking in Small Children

Table of Contents


Overview

Young children can easily choke on food and everyday objects. You can help prevent your child from choking by offering the right kinds of foods and watching for choking hazards.

Food

To prevent choking, use care when you select and prepare food. Do not give round, firm foods to children younger than age 4 unless the food is chopped completely. Foods that can be choking hazards include:

Toys and other objects

Young children can choke on:


How can you prevent choking in small children?

Preventing choking on food

To help prevent your child from choking on food, follow these basic food safety tips.

Preventing choking on toys and other objects

You can help prevent your child from choking by following basic safety tips.


Credits for Preventing Choking in Small Children

Current as of: July 10, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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