Always watch what and how your child eats. Cut or break food into small pieces that aren't round. Encourage your child to chew slowly and thoroughly. I advise parents of children under 4 to steer clear of them. On the other hand, she said, safe foods for young children include crackers and small pieces of soft fruits such as banana, orange and ripe pear.
Balloons are a major choking hazard for young children.
Young children's favorite way to discover something new is to put it in their mouths and taste it. Parents should frequently scan the floor and low surfaces for any object an infant could easily pop into their mouths. Potential household hazards include buttons, button-shaped batteries, coins, earrings, marbles, small balls and toy parts, paper clips, rings, safety and straight pens, screws and snaps. Be firm in teaching your child not to hold objects in his mouth, and be especially vigilant in watching what the child is playing with. Little hands are fast as lightning and very undiscriminating.