Child Care Resource & Referral

Choking Prevention

Choking is one of the leading causes of preventable death in babies. It's vital that your staff members are trained in recognizing, preventing, and intervening in a choking episode.

What is choking?

When someone is choking, they are not able to speak or cough. Coughing is the natural way for people to clear their throats. All staff should be trained to recognize choking and to know what do (e.g., the Heimlich maneuver) and what not to do. Do not use any choking intervention maneuvers if your child is still coughing. If you are concerned about a child's coughing from near-choking, call 911, another local emergency number, or your pediatrician.

Choking Prevention

• Prevent children from running with anything in their mouths.
• A child should never lie down while eating.
• Never leave a baby alone with a propped up bottle.
• Small food pieces that are round, hard, or difficult to chew should not be given to children.
• It is recommended not to give the following to children under age three: nuts, hard candies, hot dogs, raw carrots, popcorn, grapes, raisins, toys with small parts, coins, jewelry.
• It is recommended never to give any of these items to a child under age five: rubber balloons (mylar balloons are less of a choking risk), buttons, button batteries, nails, screws, safety pins.