Choking
Many items are inappropriate and unsafe for your infant or toddler because they pose a choking hazard. Small toy parts, coins, bottle caps, popcorn, balloons all pose a choking hazard for your infant or child. So do many other items not named here. Following are some suggestions to help you identify and avoid choking hazards:

Think Little – identify small parts and remove them from your child’s reach. One very helpful tool in this endeavor is a “Choke Tube” A choke tube is a small plastic tube that will help identify items that pose a choking hazard. Items that fit in the tube are choking hazards. This item is usually no more than $5 and a great buy.

Many Foods are Inappropriate for Infants and Toddlers – These include peanuts, popcorn, raw carrots, hot dogs, grapes, hard candies, and many others. In general hard solid foods should be avoided until children are able to chew well and thoroughly. When serving hot dogs to older children cut them into quarters length-wise. This will reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of choking. When serving round firm food (such as grapes) make sure to dice food into small pieces.

Never Allow Your Infant, Toddler Or Child To Eat While Lying Down. Eating is best done while seated at the table. Running or playing while eating also increases the risk of choking.

Check Toys Carefully For Broken Or Small Parts – Many toys for children over the age of three contain parts that are too small to allow your infant or toddler to play with. This presents a special challenge for parents. Teach your older child that some toys are not appropriate for the baby and cannot be left lying around. You’ll of course have to monitor the situation carefully.

Latex Balloons – are totally unsafe for babies and toddlers. Mylar balloons are a good option. Never allow your baby or toddler to play with latex balloons and watch older children closely. Explain to older children that latex balloons should never be placed near their mouth.

Learn CPR – As a precaution every parent should learn CPR. Many community organizations offer Saturday classes. The techniques you will learn in CPR classes do save lives. It is recommended that refresher courses be taken once a year. As an additional safety measure make sure any babysitters or caregivers you use have taken a class within the last year.

Don’t Hesitate to Dial 911 – In the event of a medical emergency don’t hesitate to call 911 (or whatever the local emergency number is). Time is critical in many medical emergencies. Make sure to have these numbers posted by phones throughout the home.

Go to the next section.

Disclaimer: Note, these lists are provided to start you thinking about safety. We guarantee that these lists ARE NOT COMPLETE! You will have to evaluate your own home. No list can anticipate every circumstance. The personal health of yourself , your spouse, children or other factors may dictate that you take precautions not listed here, or that you ignore suggestions made here. Ultimately, you are responsible for your child's safety. When you are unsure or have questions always consult an appropriate professional. We have made every effort to check the accuracy of our information, but we do not guarantee it to be accurate or complete. Use your own judgments and always seek the advice of a physician when appropriate. These lists are intended only to help you identify potential problems. Read our TERMS OF SERVICE for additional information about the conditions and terms under which this list is supplied.