Choking Foods

by Doctor Laurence H. Miller on 09/12/11

There are few things more fun than watching your baby explore and delight in eating real food.  But like all things in life that are worthwhile, some risk is involved.  Managing that risk is key.  So there are some simple safety rules for babies and food.  Kids should be sitting down when they eat; not running or jumping.  It's more enjoyable when the atmosphere is calm during a meal.

Some foods are inappropriate, not safe for babies.  The official word is that kids under four should avoid the following 10 foods because they are a choking hazard:

1.Raw Carrots

2.Raw Celery

3.Peanuts

4.Popcorn

5.Hard Candy

6.Raisins

7.Grapes

8.Frankfurters

9.Apples

10.Peanut Butter

Numbers 1 thru 5 are absolutely forbidden under every circumstance.  If a very young child/baby laughs or coughs with one of these in her mouth, it can lead to tragedy.  A peanut or piece of popcorn could easily be inhaled through the larynx (voicebox) and plug the trachea (windpipe) so the child chokes.

Raisins, though, can be soaked in water until they are quite soft and then cut in half.  Grapes can also be cut in quarters and peeled so they pose little threat. Frankfurters, true JUNK food, (very high in fat and processed chemicals) can be cut paper thin like bologna and only present a nutritional danger (shouldn't be eaten more than once a month). Apples can also be cut paper thin.  Peanut butter should be spread extremely thin in small amounts. 

Following this guide is really easy and your peace of mind will be worth the effort.