What Counts As A Choking Hazard?

Anything small enough to fit into a child’s mouth and block their airway could cause choking. That includes food and non-food items. Babies and young children explore their world by chewing and tasting, which is why Christmas brings some extra challenges. Decorations, toys, treats and party food are suddenly everywhere and it is all new and exciting.

Here are few things worth keep an extra eye on this Christmas.

1. Festive Foods

Christmas is the time for delicious food. Unfortunately, some of those favourites are high on the choking risk list.

Nuts
Whole nuts are surprisingly easy to inhale if a child laughs, runs or talks while eating. For children under five, whole nuts are best avoided.

Grapes
Grapes are perfectly normal snacks during the year but they are especially likely to pop up on buffet tables or in family gatherings at Christmas. They are the ideal size and shape to block a child’s airway. Always cut grapes lengthways for children.

Cherry Tomatoes and Olives
Just like grapes, they need to be cut lengthways. They can seem harmless because they are soft, but their round shape is the risk.

Sausages
Did you know sausages are one of the main causes of choking for young children? Cocktail sausages are everywhere at Christmas. Their size and slippery texture mean they can easily lodge in the throat. Cut them lengthways to remove the risk.

Cheese Cubes
Little cubes are perfect finger food but they are also the perfect size for choking. Cut them smaller or offer thin slices.

Hard Sweets
Toffees, boiled sweets, wrapped balls of chocolate and candy canes should be kept out of reach of young children.

Marshmallows and Cake Decorations
Marshmallows are soft but they can form a sticky lump which gets stuck. Small edible decorations on cakes and biscuits are also easy to inhale. As long as children are sitting and supervised, these are less of a worry. You do not need to ban them, just enjoy them calmly.

2. Decorations and Wrapping Bits

Non-food items are just as tempting. Sparkly things call to little hands! Here’s what tends to cause trouble:

Baubles and Broken Decorations
Some break easily or shed small, hazardous pieces. Broken decorations should be cleaned up straight away.

Batteries
Small toys often mean small button batteries. These are incredibly dangerous if swallowed. Keep spare batteries in a locked drawer and supervise any toys that need replacements.

Tinsel and Ribbons
These tend to shed small strands or pieces of plastic. They are more likely to cause gagging than choking, but it’s still best to keep them out of reach.

Sticky Tape and Tags
While you wrap gifts, keep the small scraps out of little mouths. Children are curious and even the tiniest ball of scrunched-up tape can be tempting.

3. Toys and Stocking Fillers

Stocking fillers are brilliant fun but can include items that are made up of tiny parts.

Toys With Detachable Pieces
Think Lego, beads, tiny dolls’ accessories. For older siblings, consider creating a “big kid play zone” where younger ones cannot reach.

Crackers
The small toys that come out of crackers are often choking hazards. If the cracker is aimed at adults, check what is inside before letting children play.

Craft Kits
Mini pom-poms, sequins and googly eyes are fantastic for creativity but not for little mouths. Supervised craft sessions are absolutely fine but tidy away afterwards.

4. Mealtimes and Christmas Gatherings

It is busy. There is excitement. Children want to run around. And that is where the risk increases. Choking is more likely when children eat while distracted, moving or laughing.

Here are our top tips for Christmas mealtimes:

Children must sit down to eat, even if it’s a snack.
Cut food to safe sizes.
Encourage slow eating and chewing.

Always stay with young children when they are eating – choking happens quickly and silently.

 

Why learning first aid is so important

Knowing what to do in an emergency turns potential panic into calm confidence. Daisy First Aid classes are fun, friendly and reassuring. We cover choking in detail and you get to practise techniques in a calm, supportive environment.

Learning first aid helps you enjoy the magic of Christmas without the worry.

Daisy First Aid teach family friendly first aid classes all over the UK. To find your local trainer head to www.daisyfirstaid.com and pop in your postcode.