Menu: Parenting
By Julia Parker
Updated: September 8, 2017
Originally Published: April 7, 2017
As a parent, I have this irrational fear of choking. Whenever I see someone take a massive bite of food, my mind races with thoughts of performing the Heimlich maneuver. So, you can imagine the lengths I go to when introducing solid foods to my kids.
I chop everything into tiny pieces. I can’t help it; even now, my six-year-old still gets his grapes sliced in half. My husband often teases me about this habit, but after seeing a Facebook post I just came across, I’m ready to send it his way and tell him to zip it.
The post features an x-ray of a grape stuck in a five-year-old’s throat, shared by Australian blogger, Emma Collins, on her blog, Little Adventures. It reads, “This poor child needed surgery under general anesthesia to have the grape removed. He is very fortunate that part of his airway was open; otherwise, the outcome could have been tragic. Please remember that not all kids chew their food properly, especially when they’re excited to get back to playing.”
Exactly! Kids are notorious for cramming food into their mouths while running around like little monkeys. If cutting their food into smaller pieces can help ease my anxiety, why wouldn’t I do it?
According to Healthy Children.org, food is responsible for over half of all choking incidents. It’s recommended to steer clear of foods like grapes, hot dogs, raw carrots, and peanuts for young children. When preparing food, ensure pieces are no larger than half an inch. Encourage kids to chew thoroughly and supervise them during meals. Insist on kids sitting down while eating, and be cautious of older siblings who may inadvertently pass dangerous items to younger ones.
It’s crucial to share this information during playdates. Don’t assume that everyone follows the same safety protocols you do. I remember attending a holiday gathering at my child’s preschool where parents brought trays of whole cherry tomatoes. One parent thought this was a good snack for three-year-olds, and the staff was actually handing them out! I found myself anxiously scanning the room, hoping someone else would voice their concern. I finally asked, “Aren’t we cutting those in half?” While I felt like the odd one out, I stood my ground. After all, I cover child-related news for a living; my worry is justified.
As Emma wisely puts it, “When in doubt, just slice the grapes.”
This article was originally published on April 7, 2017.