Top 10 Food Choking Hazards For Toddlers

Minimizing the risks of first foods

There are so many things parents might think about when they begin introducing solid foods. What should I introduce first? Should I go with purées or try baby-led feeding? How do I even get my kid to eat what I offer? While most of these things can be left up to trial and error, personal preference and what works best for your family, the most important thing every family should consider is food safety and how to avoid potential choking hazards when offering new foods.

SET THE SCENE

Laying a successful foundation for food safety means setting the scene for healthy eating behaviors before food is even offered. When feeding your baby, it is important they are sitting in an upright position with minimal distractions. Eating when in a reclining position or while playing increases the risk of bites of food getting lodged in the throat. Having your child sit in a high chair or at the table also sends the signal that it’s time to eat and can help your child transition from their activity and focus on eating their food.

Once you have your child sitting and ready to eat the real fun begins: the food! The physical act of eating solid food is another motor skill your baby must learn and toddlers continue to refine this skill set (consider how their faces exhibit the evidence smeared with abandon for quite a while!). As your child gains better motor control of their tongue and gets closer to a full set of teeth, they will be better equipped for a wider variety of food shapes, sizes, and textures.