As parents, keeping our kids safe is the most important thing we do. The purpose of this flyer is to make parents aware that certain foods given to children ages 5 and under are high risks for choking and death. Awareness of these risks is key to injury prevention.

According to studies done by Johns Hopkins University and others, food choking is the leading cause of accidental death in infants under one year of age, and the fourth leading cause of accidental death in children under age five. Nationally, one child every five days dies by choking on food.

Children, especially those under age 5, are particularly vulnerable to choking on food due to the small size of their upper airways. They lack molars for chewing and generally are inexperienced with chewing. Young children have weaker cough mechanisms than adults.

The following foods have been identified as high choking risks:

• Hot dogs (#1 cause of food choking in children)

• Nuts

• Hard candies

• Raw carrots

• Popcorn

• Whole grapes

• Raisins

• Raw apple slices

• Peanut butter without jelly

• Cookies

• Foods with bones, seeds, or pits

How Can You Prevent Choking?

Published studies recommend that children under age 5 should not be given hot dogs, nuts, hard candies, raw carrots, popcorn, whole grapes, raisins, raw apple slices, peanut butter without jelly, cookies, or any foods with bones, seeds and pits. Be certain that the size and consistency of the child's food is appropriate for his age. If a hot dog is served, the skin should be removed, and it should be sliced lengthwise and in small pieces.

Young children’s meals and snacks should always be supervised. Siblings and other youngsters should not feed young children without an adult present.

Minimize distractions during eating.

Encourage children to chew food slowly.

Know how to give first aid and CPR to a choking child.

Joan and Mark Adler
In Loving Memory of Eric Adler