Choking is a concern for all parents. It is important to review the guidelines in order to prepare yourself in advance for any unforeseen choking emergency in your future. The latest guidelines are listed below for your benefit with links to obtain more information.

Choking Hazards

Some foods are easy for your preschooler to choke on when swallowing them.

These include foods that are round and about the size of the throat –about the size of a nickel. Prevent choking by avoiding these foods or cutting them in small pieces–no larger than one-half inch (½”).

 Foods that may be choking hazards:

To prevent choking:

• Have your preschooler eat at the table, or at least while sitting down. Do not let your child run, walk, play, or lie down with food in their mouth.
• Keep a watchful eye on your child while he or she eats.
• Cut food for your preschooler into pieces no larger than one-half inch (½”), and teach them to chew their food well.
• Slice hotdogs and sausages lengthwise.
• Cut meat and chicken across the grain into small pieces.
• Slice grapes, cherry tomatoes, and other round foods in half.
• Cook carrots or celery sticks until slightly soft, grate them, or cut them into small pieces or thin “matchsticks.”
• Spread peanut butter thinly on bread or crackers.  A thick “glob” of peanut butter can cause choking.

Click the USDA logo below for more information.

***Please be cautious with toys and other small objects if your child tends to put objects into their mouth.

If you are with an infant, child or adult who cannot cough, speak, cry or breathe due to choking the following steps are recommended by the Red Cross.

1. Have someone call 9-1-1.
2. Obtain consent from the victim.
3. Lean the person forward and give 5 black blows with the heel of your hand.
4. Give 5 quick, upward abdominal thrusts.

(NOTE: You can give yourself abdominal thrusts by using your hands, just as you would do to another person, or lean over and press your abdomen against any firm object such as the back of a chair.)

5. Continue alternating back blows and abdominal thrusts until:

• The obstructing object is forced out.
• The person can breathe or cough forcefully.
• The person becomes unconscious

If the person is unconscious, the 9-1-1 emergency responders on the telephone will be able to direct you on how to perform a rescue breath and/or chest compressions. Or go to: http://www.redcross.org/take-a-class in order to find and participate in a training class with the American Red Cross in your local area.

This is a printable poster which may be helpful to keep in a prominent, visible location in case of emergency.