Choking Prevention For Children With Special Needs
Choking can happen to people of all ages. Although food causes the majority of choking injuries in children, it is also common for young children to put small objects like coins or toy parts in their mouths.
Children with special needs are also vulnerable to choking injuries, so taking certain steps to prevent choking is critical.
Here are some important steps to avoid choking injuries in your home.
Choking Prevention Tips
Test small objects using a small parts tester or toilet paper tube to find out whether they are choking hazards.
Avoid giving children small round foods such as hot dogs, cheese sticks/chunks, hard candy, nuts, grapes and popcorn. Check with your pediatrician about your child’s particular needs.
Keep small items, toys and toy parts away from young children and older children who continue mouthing objects.
Store toys separately. Those made for older children may have small parts that put younger children or children that may be developmentally challenged at risk.
Learn child CPR.
Children should be taught to eat at a table, not when walking or playing.
Remember: For any family, taking the proper precautions to prevent choking, suffocation and strangulation is an essential part of ensuring a safer home.
