Top Choking Hazards
Every year, more than 250 children in the United States ages four and under choke to death on common foods and household objects. According to the American Red Cross, the top culprits include the following:
• Popcorn
• Grapes
• Nuts
• Hard candies
• Deflated balloon pieces
• Coins, pins, buttons, and other small items
• Small toys and toy parts
• Small, circular pieces of hot dogs
• Raw vegetable, like carrots, that are cut into circles rather than strips
To protect your child, be sure to monitor meal and snack time. Scan your home daily for small hazardous items and remove them from reach promptly. Check toys for small, removable or broken parts and do not leave your child unattended in unfamiliar places.