Beware of choking hazards

> There are just one too many cases of young children with food or things stuck in their throat, putting them at risk of injury or even worse

chunks of raw fruits or vegetables (such as carrots or apples); and chewing gum Parents should cut food like these into small pieces for the younger children to reduce the possibility of choking.

Of course, use your discretion and loads of common sense in deciding what to feed them.

If your toddler has only four front teeth, you won’t be feeding him or her whole almonds, would you?

Besides food, toys and household items are also possible choking hazards.

Toys with small, detachable parts, marbles, coins, round button batteries, screws, and stuffing for bean bags are some items to watch out for.

Don’t leave young children unsupervised while eating. Keep an eye on them.

If they have a tendency to run around while chewing their food, please put a stop to it.

Explain clearly to them why they should not run and eat, but don’t threaten them with: “If you run while you eat, you might choke on your food and die!”

At such a tender age, they don’t understand the concept of death. So unless you are willing to hold a lengthy existential discussion, it’s best to avoid threats like this.

If all reasoning fail to ‘knock’ some sense into the young ones’ head, pull out your last card: “Because I said so!”

Let the children sit up properly while eating, and not slouch. Eat with care.

Lydia Teh is a mother of four and author of nine books, including the latest, Cow Sense for Young People. Send comments to lifestyle.lydia@thesundaily.com.