In February of 2010, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued an updated policy statement entitled, "Prevention of Choking Among Children." In the statement, the academy identified several foods that present choking hazards to young children. While most parents and caretakers are judicious about keeping infants from common dangers, several foods which seem otherwise innocuous, can be potentially life-threatening when consumed by young children. If you have the responsibility and privilege of caring for an infant, learn which foods are potentially dangerous and should be avoided.
Hot Dogs and Sausages
Tube-shaped foods, including hot dogs and sausages, are able to wedge tightly into a child's airway, counsels the American Academy of Pediatrics. Even slicing the hot-dog into bite-sized pieces poses a choking hazard---either avoid giving your child those foods entirely, or finely dice the hot dog to reduce the chance of choking.
Sweets
Hard candy, gum and marshmallows are serious choking hazards. You might not give candy deliberately to your child, but crawling infants can pick up loose candy from the floor or reach into a candy dish when your back is turned. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2000, candy was to blame for 19 percent of emergency visits due to choking. Frequent choking hazards include hard, disc-shaped candy, caramel and nougat candy and gum. Marshmallows seem like a safe alternative, but are soft and round and form a gelatinous mass which your child can easily inhale or get stuck in her throat. Keep all candy safely out of reach, and never give your infant marshmallows.
Snacks
Other foods that hold particular choking hazards are peanuts, nuts, seeds and popcorn. As the Family Education website points out, at first, a young child only chews with his gums. Even when his teeth erupt, his molars are the last to emerge. Older infants who eat solid food often swallow foods without chewing, making small nuts, seeds and popcorn a particular risk. The hard nature of these foods makes it difficult for your infant to chew the nuts or popcorn into small enough pieces to swallow safely. Follow the AAP recommendations and never give these foods to your infant.
Fruits and Vegetables
Whole grapes and uncut raw carrots are circular in shape and difficult for young babies to chew completely. A publication from the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends cutting grapes into tiny pieces to prevent choking. Serve cooked, finely cut carrots to your infant rather than raw or uncut cooked carrots.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is dangerous for infants and young children for the same reasons that marshmallow and caramel are---peanut butter can form a mass which can quickly block the airway. The New York State Department of Health advises that you pay close attention to the texture and consistency of all the foods your infant eats. Be aware of packaged peanut butter crackers, as well as peanut butter from a jar,
