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Choking hazards–not just for toys!

Posted Jul 28 2010 2:31pm

by kiwilog

 

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While babysitting this past weekend, the three boys were jumping and shouting about movie nightand all the popcorn they’d eatbefore their parents had even walked out the door. As I made a mental checklist in my mind (control portions, don’t serve any unpopped pieces, and have water available), their dad pulled me aside, reminding me to watch four-year-old Andrew extra carefully.  

Popcorn might be the most popular movie treat, but it’s not the only dangerous food for kids: Hot dogs, gobstoppers, jelly candies, and peanuts can also pose a choking hazard to small children. Kids under the age of four are at the highest risk because their airways are small and their ability to chew properly is still developing, says Nisha Kapadia, MD, a pediatric resident at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. In fact, 17,500 children 14 and younger were treated for choking, 60 percent of which was caused by food, found a 2001 survey. Many pediatrics groups say vigilance is important, but parents can’t always watch their child’s every move while eating. 

Cautionary labels are on some products, but in hard-to-see spots, such as bottoms of boxes. Do you think choking hazards can be more clearly markedand how? Do you have any recommendations for when kids should eat certain foods? Let us know. 

-Victoria, KIWI intern

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