Nearly two thirds of children who choke to death are three years of age or younger. Most of these deaths can be avoided. Many choking cases occur when older brothers or sisters offer unsafe foods to a younger child. Some foods that can cause choking include hot dogs, nuts, chunks of meat, grapes, hard candy, peanuts, popcorn, chunks of peanut butter and uncooked vegetables. Avoid toys with small parts and keep other small household items out of reach of young children.
Balloons are particularly dangerous.
A strong cough generally means little or no blockage, and the child may be able to dislodge the blockage by coughing. According to ACEP, the ways to properly treat choking victims, especially children under age four, are first aid that everyone should learn-to help people breath easier. Place the infant face down over your forearm, head lower than torso, supported on your thigh. Deliver up to five back blows, forcefully, between the infant s shoulder blades using the heel of your hand. While supporting the head, turn the infant face up, head lower than torso.