Choking in children

How can we make eating safer for your child?
Children are always supervised at our childcare centers while eating meals and snacks.
TOP TEN CHOKING FOODS FOR UNDER 3 YEAR OLDS:

1. Popcorn, chips, pretzels               6.  Marshmallows
2. Hotdogs                                            7.  Peanut butter
3. Grapes                                             8.  Uncooked vegetables
4. Seeds or nuts                                  9.  Meats/cheeses (not cut up) 
5. Candy/Gum                                   10.  Fruits (not cut up) 

We kindly ask parents to;

• Send foods in textures that are safe for babies and young children. Offer cooked foods before trying them raw. For example, try applesauce or well-cooked carrots first and then offer grated raw apples or carrots at a later time.
• Cut grapes, cherry tomatoes and hot dogs lengthwise and into small pieces until children are at least 3 years old and they can chew and swallow food that is the texture of steak without coughing.
• Do not give hard, crunchy foods to a child until they are at least 3 years old and they can consistently chew and swallow crusty bread without coughing. Hard, crunchy foods include hard candies, peanuts, large nuts, raw carrots, apples, celery, popcorn and sunflower seeds. Un-popped corn kernels are especially dangerous.  Dangerous foods will not be served and sent home in the child’s lunch kits.
• Spread peanut butter or other nut butters thinly on crackers or bread. A chunk of nut butter can form a “plug” that can block the child’s airway.
• Remove bones from chicken and fish.
• Cut foods such as meat and cheese into small pieces.
• Do not offer other foods that are choking hazards, such as marshmallows, gum and gel candies until the child is at least 3 years old, and can chew their food well.

All food (apples and entrees included) must be prepared and cut by the parent to ensure that they are acceptable for your child’s abilities.
At Almosthome Infant and Toddler Centre we teach the child to chew their food well. We sit down and eat with them. We try to model safe eating methods by – taking small bites, chew food well, and eat slowly.  We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our little friends safe.