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Choking is more common in young children because they don't have the back teeth needed to chew and grind lumps of food properly. Luckily, there are ways to minimise the risk.
Take action:
Do not give foods that can break off into hard pieces: avoid raw carrot, celery sticks and apple pieces, for example – these foods should be grated, cooked or mashed; sausages, frankfurters and other meats should be cut into pieces; tough skins on sausages should be removed; do not give popcorn, nuts, hard lollies, cornchips or other similar foods.
At eating times: always supervise young children; make sure they sit quietly while eating; and never force young children to eat, as this may cause them to choke.
Read more: Eating problems in toddlers
