Reducing Baby's Risk Of Choking
Every parent has fears about the things the child puts in their mouth. Children as young as a couple of months old will start to put things in their mouths. They do so because it is natural, and instinctive. They really are not being bad, just curious. Still, anything that goes into their mouths could be a choking hazard and that can worry any parent. As a parent, you should do everything you can to minimize the risk of choking, but you should also know how to perform the right methods to remove anything from your child’s airway that you need to.
Reduce Your Child’s Risk of Choking
First off, be sure that anything that is brought into your home is properly put away to ensure that children cannot get them and put them into their mouths. For example, if you fixed something and you left the screw on the table, assume the child will get it. Everything needs put into closed drawers. Those drawers should have child safety devices on them so that children cannot these items.
Quality Baby Care Products
One of the most common reasons that children choke, though is not because of any type of thing they find laying around. Most children, who choke, do it on their food. Food that is too big can often cause a choking hazard. Be sure that anything that they put into their mouths is small enough for swallowing to occur properly. Some items that you should be concerned with include the following:
- Hard candy
- Cut up hot dogs
- Whole grapes
- Whole peas
- Raw carrots
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Raisins
The problem is, these items do not easily digest into their mouths and they are small enough that they can easily choke on.
Next, keep in mind that toys are often considered choking hazards. You want to ensure the child is not able to choke on anything that the toy comes with. While parents do have to police these items themselves, it is an understanding that you should also only buy toys that are age-appropriate.
Choking is a real problem. If you have not done so, ask your pediatrician about the proper way to stop a child from choking. You also want to ensure that you have taken every precaution to ensure your home is to choke risk-free.