2023 Author: Anita Thornton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-22 03:30
Food asphyxia is the leading cause of accidental death in children under 1 and the fourth cause of accidental death in children under 5.
Foods most likely to cause choking are usually round, small, hard, or crispy.
It is therefore suggested to avoid:
Before age 4Popcorn, chips, nuts, peanuts and crunchy peanut butter, seeds, raisins and dried fruit (unless making them soak at least one hour in water before serving), slices of raw sausages and carrots, hard candies and chewing gum.
Before 2 years old(to avoid, in addition to foods to avoid before 4 years old)Hard fruits, raw vegetables (carrots or celery), stifling biscuits and a crumb of fresh bread which risks forming a lump in the throat. The child can eat the whole apple without peel and the whole berries.
Important Tips
Cut food into small pieces: grapes cut in 2 or 4 and seeded, sausages cut lengthwise. Remove small bones from meat, fish and chicken. Remove seeds from fruit. Serve the vegetables cut into thin strips orcook them lightly when it comes to very hard vegetables (broccoli, carrots, cauliflower or turnip). Spread the non-crunchy peanut butter on toast so that it melts a little. Teach children to chew slowly and chew well. Do not rush meals. Limit distractions during meals. Insist that the child is well seated and quiet during meals. Supervise him closely during meals. Never leave him alone. Preventing choking requires constant vigilance. So have a watchful eye and be rigorous in supervising your little ones!
ReferencesBOURASSA, NADINE. The guide to feeding children from 0 to 12 years old. Brochure developed for the network of daycare providers, 1995, 22 pages.
CHATEAUVERT, DANIELLE. I eat, I learn, I have fun at daycare like at home, 1996, 362 pages.
DORÉ, NICOLE AND LE HENAFF, DANIEL. Live better with your child. Quebec, New edition, Enfant-Jésus Hospital, Public He alth Department, 1997, 428 pages.
LEWIS, SARA. The kitchen for babies, Manise Editions, 1996, 94 pages.
SMALL, JOCELYNE. Eating with children for pleasure and for life, Les Presses de l'université Laval, 1997, 328 pages.
HEALTH CANADA. Canada's Food Guide to He althy Eating. - Information on preschool children, 1995, 12 pages.
Written by Caroline Benoit, nutritionist-dietitian, member of Groupe Harmonie Santé, group of dietitians-Quebec nutritionists and he alth professionals.
