Children under 4 are at particular risk from choking. Some children may stuff tiny objects up their noses or swallow them whole when they put them in their mouths. Choking can cause death and serious injury to children.
Around 200 choking cases are seen in the Emergency Department each year.
How to prevent it
- Don’t allow young children to play with toys designed for older children
- Frequently check under furniture and between cushions for dangerous items young children could find, such as, coins, batteries, nuts and sweets
At meal times
- Watch young children while they eat. Encourage them to eat slowly and chew their food well
- Cut up foods that are firm and round
- Hard or sticky sweets, nuts and seeds popcorn are all choke hazards
