Choking checklist
Choking checklist
Babies and children can choke on food at any age but those under 5 are at higher risk, and especially children and babies under 3. Watch a video about ways to reduce the choking risk.
Be aware of foods that are more likely to cause choking.
Small hard foodsSmall hard foods that are difficult for children to bite or chew (eg, nuts, large seeds, popcorn husks, raw apple, carrot and celery) |
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Small round foodsSmall round foods that can get stuck in children’s throats (eg, grapes, berries, raisins/sultanas, peas, watermelon seeds, lollies) |
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Foods with skins or leavesFoods with skins or leaves that are difficult to chew (eg, sausages, chicken, lettuce, nectarines) |
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Foods that can squash downFood that can squash down into the shape of your baby’s throat and get stuck (eg, hot dogs, sausages, pieces of cooked meat, popcorn) |
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Thick pastesThick pastes that can get stuck in children’s throats (eg, chocolate spreads, peanut butter) |
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Fibrous or stringy foodsFibrous or stringy foods that are difficult for children to chew (eg, celery, raw pineapple) |
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Some tips for reducing choking risk
Alter the food texture |
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Remove the high-risk parts of the food – peel off the skin or remove the strong fibres |
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Content endorsed by
Paediatric Society of NZ
Supported by
Ministry of Health NZ
Supported by
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This page last reviewed 05 June 2013.
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