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 (Prepare your child's food to the right shape, size and texture as appropriate to their development):

    • 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.

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