Whether you’re a first-time parent, third-time parent, or you spend quite a bit of time around little ones, there are always things to look out for when it comes to protecting the munchkins! One such thing to keep that eye out for: choking hazards. Yes, you already know about the usual culprits — marbles, buttons, and pretty much anything smaller than your fist. But that’s not where the preparation stops. Here are some foods that could cause problems for your kiddo (thanks to The Stir for the info):
Round Slices of Hot Dogs & Sausages
When cut into nickel-shaped slices, hot dogs and sausages can be a choking hazard to children. The best way to make these foods safer is to cut them length-wise, as it’s much harder for pieces to get lodged in the throat that way.
Carrot Sticks & Baby Carrots
Carrots, as well as other large pieces of raw fruit and veggies, can pose a choking risk to toddlers, as the hard pieces that are bit off can get easily stuck in the child’s throat. Either cut into pieces no larger than 1/2 inch, or cook the veggies, so they’re softer.
Peanut Butter
Globs of peanut butter can get stuck in a preschooler’s throat easier than one would think. Once you know that your child isn’t allergic to peanuts, make sure you spread peanut butter well on crackers or bread, avoiding big lumps.
Cherry Tomatoes
As the above incident demonstrates, children can very easily choke on grapes. But another food similar in shape and size is cherry tomatoes. Be sure to slice both cherry tomatoes and grapes in half before giving to your toddler.
Tough Meat
Your baby may love steak just as much as his daddy, but it’s important to cut meat and chicken across the grain into small pieces before serving to your little one.
Popcorn
It’s probably best to hold off on giving your child popcorn, but if he’s going to have it, break the pieces up into even smaller pieces. Also, don’t let him run around while eating — ever. Teach him to sit down at a table and chew.
Gum
Toddlers really shouldn’t be chewing gum — ever. It’s a huge choking hazard, so best to err on the side of caution and just avoid it.
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