Parents have so much on their plate these days, and the health of their children is a top priority. A daily hazard that could potentially become deadly, very quickly is choking. Warning labels are placed on objects small enough to fit in a child's mouth and become lodged. Are you paying attention to them? Let's take a look at objects that could potentially harm your child.
Foods To Watch Out For
Foods are common choking hazards. Often times children aren't paying attention to how they chew and are often moving their bodies around when eating. Hot Dogs often top the list when it comes to the food most often choked on. Other chunks of meat, popcorn, nuts, seeds, whole grapes, hard candy (and sticky), chewing gum, raisins, and even marshmallows. To further help avoid a choking incident, when feeding these foods to your child, cut the pieces no larger than a half inch. Encourage your child to be still when they are eating and to not be walking around. They should remain upright and focus on eating their food. While eating in the car is very common, it should be avoided when possible. Sudden car movements can cause an unsuspecting child to choke very easily. You are not able to fully pay attention to driving and monitoring your child at the same time. Meal and snack times should always be monitored by an adult. With as little as 4 minutes without oxygen, the brain begins to die. It doesn't take long for a child to choke.
First Time Crawling
A baby's first time crawling is a stupendous event! While exciting, this new chapter in your baby's life contains many possible dangers. Crawling puts many new and exciting objects within your child's reach. If you have other older children in the home, their toys could very quickly become hazards. Items such as latex balloons, beads, batteries, writing utensils (pen caps), small balls, marbles, game pieces, toys with small pieces and coins. Be aware of what is on the floor, end and coffee tables within reach of your crawling baby. Pick up any small items off of the floor and lower areas of your home. These things can be locked away in cabinets. Simple plastic bags that your groceries arrive in also are hazardous. Like latex balloons, bags (of any type) can suffocate a child very easily and very quickly. To ensure you've made an area safe for your child, get down on their level to see what their eyes will - check under couches and chairs, under tables and in drawers or on lower levels of a bookcase. Store toys for older children in a different area than the toys for a child under the age of 3.
Emergency Action for Choking
The first step to be taken in the event that your child is choking, is to call 911. Even if you are able to dislodge the item, the child still needs to be examined by a medical professional. There still may be something in their throat or there may be something that they have swallowed that you are unaware of. Becoming certified in CPR is vital to your family's well being. All adults in the home and those that babysit should learn CPR.