Last week, a toddler was in a coma after choking on a grape at Pizza Hut. According to Mirror News, Jacob Jenkins, two, was enjoying a family meal when a grape got stuck in his throat. The horrific incident happened last Friday evening. The tragedy is considered as every parent's worst nightmare that affected not only his hometown but also every parent in the world. Everything was done to save him, but the impact this accident is leaving has every parent thinking that this situation can happen to every child. The NHS has issued detailed information on how to administer first aid should to a choking child.
However, we are all aware that young children are curious about food that they would usually put anything on their mouth. Depending on your child or baby's age, they'll be being fed food appropriate to their stage in development. Precautionary measures are in place for every parent to be aware of.
According pregnancy and early-years parenting site, Babycenter have listed the food that pose as choking risks. For babies who are 12 and 24 months old, food larger than a pea can get stuck in your child's throat. Carrots, celery and green beans for example should be diced, shredded, cooked and cut up. Before serving fruits like grapes and melon ball make sure to cut them into quarters. As for meat and cheese, parents have to cut or shred them into very small pieces.
There is also food that should be avoided completely. Small, hard food and sticky food should be avoided altogether. Hard boiled sweets, cough sweets, nuts, and popcorn. Seeds from fruits may be too small to choke on however, it can cause an infection. Chewing gum and marshmallows, jelly or gummy candies may also be too thick and can be stuck in their small throats. They also advised to spread peanut butter thinly on bread or crackers.
On their 24 month, the toddler will be a much more competent eater. The site added however, that even if this is the case, make sure that when your child is eating, they are not walking, watching television or anything that might distract him from finishing his meal. Popcorn, whole buts, hard candies and chewing gum should still be avoided.
