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Just Slice The Grapes Already
by Sophia Carter
Updated: Sep. 8, 2017
Originally Published: April 7, 2017
I have an irrational dread of choking. When I see someone take a massive bite of steak, I mentally gear up to perform the Heimlich maneuver. So, you can imagine how introducing solid foods to my kids went.
I chop everything into tiny pieces. I can’t shake it. My son is now six, and I still cut his grapes in half. My partner often teases me for this, but I just found a Facebook post that I’m going to send him, telling him to zip it.
This x-ray shows a grape lodged in the airway of a five-year-old. It was shared by Australian blogger Karen Mitchell on the Facebook page for her blog, Little Explorers. “This young child had to undergo surgery with general anesthesia to remove the grape,” the post states. “He is extremely fortunate that part of his airway was clear; otherwise, this could have had a tragic outcome. Please remember that not all kids chew their food properly or may rush to join their friends on the playground.”
Exactly! Kids often don’t focus. They gulp their food and dart around like little monkeys. If taking a simple step can ease my anxiety, why wouldn’t I?
According to Healthy Children.org, “Food is responsible for over 50% of choking incidents. Keep foods like grapes, hot dogs, raw carrots, and peanuts away from young children. Cut food into pieces no larger than half an inch. Encourage kids to chew their food thoroughly. Always supervise mealtime. Make sure children sit while eating; they should never run, walk, or play with food in their mouths. Be mindful of older siblings’ actions, as many choking situations are caused when they give unsafe toys or foods to younger kids.”
It’s also essential to share this information during playdates. Don’t assume that everyone follows the same safety guidelines. I remember attending a holiday event at my child’s daycare a while back, where they were serving a platter of whole cherry tomatoes. One parent thought it was fine to bring those for three-year-olds, and the daycare staff was actually distributing them. The same went for a fruit tray that included giant globe grapes. I found myself scanning the room for other parents who might share my concern. I finally asked, “Aren’t you going to cut those in half?” The kids were seated at their tables while the adults mingled elsewhere. I had to make my way into the kids’ area to cut the grapes for my son, feeling like the only overly cautious parent there. But you know what? I embrace my concern. I cover children’s health for work. I’m allowed to be a little paranoid.
As Karen wisely states, “Please be careful. And when in doubt, just slice the grapes already.”
This article was originally published on April 7, 2017.
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In summary, ensuring the safety of our children while they eat is paramount. Cutting their food into manageable sizes can prevent potential choking incidents, and we should always be vigilant, especially in group settings. Let’s prioritize safety to give our little ones the best experience during mealtimes.