Choking Prevention

Choking Prevention – What You Need to Know

Contributed by Pamela Brawer, R.N., CCE, certified American Heart Instructor and Certified Childbirth Instructor, and founder of Save-A-Tot.

Last week’s post from Pamela focusing on Infant/Child CPR was so well received that we asked her to do a follow up specifically about choking.

The threat of choking is something that worries almost all parents. Understandably - choking is a very common cause of unintentional injury or death in children under age one, and the danger remains significant until the age of five. You must be particularly watchful when children around the age of one are sampling new foods that must be chewed with a grinding motion. Children don't master that kind of chewing until age four. And remember, all children learn at different rates. Take your time. Make it a fun experience.

The danger signs of choking are:

-Inability to cough or cry

-Wheezing or high pitch sounds on inhale

-Blueish skin color

-And/or loss of consciousness

It is not always about food however. Remember to check your child’s toys for broken parts, small rounded objects, buttons, beads and coins.

The top three foods children choke on are Grapes, Hot-dogs and Popcorn.

So what should parents do? Avoid the following:

1. All round, firm, sticky foods, such as whole nuts and seeds

2. Chunks of meat or cheese

3. Raw fruit and vegetables unless you have slice them lengthwise into stick (julienne style) instead of round chunks

4. Grapes and dried fruit pieces, including raisins

5. Hot dogs unless you have slice them lengthwise into stick (julienne style) instead of round chunks

6. Clumps of peanut butter... remember to spread peanut butter thinly

7. Hard or sticky candy, including chewing gum

8. Mozzarella sticks

If you are having a baby or are a new parent, taking a CPR class will insure that you are prepared in case an emergency occurs and your child chokes or stops breathing.  Administering CPR can save your baby’s life. In an infant CPR class, you will learn how to prevent, recognize, and respond to cardiac and breathing emergencies. Classes can be taught in the privacy of your home. CPR parties are becoming quite popular. Get your family together, group of friends or even your mom group. Mingle and learn valuable information. Now that is a productive evening!

Save-A-Tot offers classes in Infant/Child CPR & First Aid. Parents, expectant parents and caregivers will learn life-saving information on infant/child CPR and First Aid. In addition to CPR, you'll learn choking prevention (including the Heimlich maneuver), vital information on poisoning/drowning, SIDS prevention, falls, head injuries, bleeding, safety, baby-proofing and allergies.

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