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Parents, Let’s Talk About Choking
“How can I give my child a cracker when it’s the same size as a toy block?”
“How can she chew fruit if she doesn’t have teeth?”
“She gagged on a cracker, so she’s clearly not ready!”
“It’s just too dangerous…”
I know many of you feel anxious about giving your little ones foods that fit perfectly in their tiny hands. You spend your days vigilantly watching them, worried they might stick small objects in their mouths and choke. It’s a scary and confusing time, and I completely understand! As a feeding therapist and a friend to many new parents, I’ve heard these concerns firsthand. I can see the trepidation in your eyes when I suggest introducing a piece of fruit or a cracker. I’m right there with you, reassuring you as we watch your little one explore solid foods for the first time. It’s intimidating, no doubt about it.
But let’s differentiate between scary and dangerous.
While I may not know the exact experience of giving a child something that could be harmful, I can share a personal story. When I was twelve, I witnessed someone I love choke. My aunt Carla choked on a cookie while we were out shopping, and it was terrifying. I screamed, and thankfully, a good Samaritan rushed in to help her with the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge that piece of white chocolate macadamia that had lodged in her throat.
So, why share this story if I’m asking you to calm down about choking?
First, I want you to know that I understand your fears; the fear of choking is very real. Second, I strongly encourage you to take a first-aid and CPR course. It’s invaluable to know what to do if something goes wrong with your child—or anyone else, for that matter. Third, while choking can occur at any age, certain situations increase the risk. You might be worried about your 1-year-old having a cracker, but I’m more concerned about your 4-year-old running around with a bowl of grapes or munching on fruit snacks while in motion.
Golden Rule to Reduce Choking Risk
Here’s a golden rule to help reduce the risk of choking: Always sit while you eat. Toddlers can snack, but not while on the move. Preschoolers can munch on a carrot like a rabbit—but they shouldn’t be hopping around while doing it. They can sit on your lap, a couch, a park bench, or even the ground. Just get them to sit!
I know kids aren’t fans of rules, especially when adults sometimes break them. You might try to enforce this sit-and-eat rule in your household, and hey, it could even turn into the latest fad diet since it reduces mindless snacking! But let’s be real; adults don’t have to sit while they eat because we’ve already learned the ropes. Your kids, however, are still figuring it out.
Eating is a complex process that requires focus and practice; it’s not automatic. Your child needs to develop their tongue control and learn to navigate food safely. If they don’t encounter solid foods until they’re 16 months old, they won’t magically know how to handle them just because they’re older. Mastery comes from practice, and with improved skills, the risk of choking decreases.
This practice won’t always be pretty. Just like kids fall off bikes while learning, they might spit, gag, or even vomit when trying new foods. But remember, gagging is not choking. It might look alarming, but it’s a protective reflex.
When your child tries a new food and starts to gag, take a deep breath and let them work through it. Be like a calm flight attendant, masking your anxiety, and celebrate their bravery in trying something new. Kids pick up on our emotions, so try to remain positive even if you’re panicking inside.
I know how isolated you can feel during this process. I don’t mean to downplay your efforts or the stress of feeding your child. It’s a challenging journey, and I respect the hard work you put into it.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help! Whether it’s a family member, a friend, or a neighbor, having an extra set of hands can ease your worries when introducing new foods. Reach out to other parents about their feeding experiences or chat with your child’s daycare teachers. If you need more information, consider consulting with a feeding therapist like myself. Remember, it truly takes a village!
For more insights and support, you can check out this article on pregnancy and home insemination from the CDC, as well as learn about at-home insemination kits from Make A Mom. Also, make sure to review our privacy policy for more information.
Summary
Talking about choking can be daunting for parents, but understanding the difference between fear and danger can help ease anxiety. Introducing solid foods requires practice and patience. Encourage your child to sit while eating and don’t hesitate to seek support from friends and family. Gagging is a natural part of learning and shouldn’t be mistaken for choking.