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Deaths arising from accidental choking usually occur in children under the age of five, with the majority of these deaths affecting infants and children less than 2 years of age. Children at this age have a natural inclination to put objects into their mouths, which increases the risk of choking. 

Here’s a list of choking hazards (non-exhaustive) that you should be cautious of:
  • Food:
- Hard or sticky candy
- Hot dogs, meat and fish with bones
- Popcorn
- Whole grapes
- Raw vegetables, raw peas, fruits with skins or seeds
- Dried fruits (e.g., raisins)
- All nuts
- Peanut butter especially in spoonfuls
- Small round foods
  • Household items:
- Latex balloons
- Coins
- Marbles
- Button batteries
- Pen caps
- Stuffings in bean bags or toys
- Rings or earrings
- Small erasers    

Do not allow your child to watch TV during meals as he/she may become distracted from chewing and swallowing, choking on the food.

Here are some pointers to safeguard your children from choking:
  • ​Keep all small objects such as buttons, coins, pins, marbles, etc. out of your children's reach. They may put the objects into their mouths and choke.
  • Children should only play with toys appropriate for their age to ensure that they do not swallow and choke on small or detachable pieces.
  • Do not feed your baby when he/she is crying or lying flat. He/she may choke on the food if fed this way.
  • Make sure the food that you feed your child with does not contain fish or chicken bones.
  • Round or smooth food items like fishballs, grapes and sausages should be cut into smaller pieces when feeding them to your child.
  • Remind your child not to play, talk or laugh while eating and swallowing.

Learn basic life-saving techniques in case of an emergency when your child chokes on a foreign object. Choking can cause death within a few minutes. Before the ambulance arrives, doing the right thing can mean the difference between life and death.

Visit Parent Hub, for more useful tips and guides to give your child a healthy start.

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