20 Tips to Prevent a Child from Choking Choking occurs when food or small objects block the airway. When this happens it prevents oxygen from getting to the lungs and the brain. When the brain is without oxygen for more than 4 minutes, brain damage and even death can occur.
Many children die from choking each year.
Parents and caregivers can often prevent choking hazards. The following lists of foods and other materials pose a choking hazard for children. Although not complete, this list includes foods and objects most often reported by emergency room doctors. Do not feed nuts to children less than age 7. Insist your children eat meals at the table, or at least sitting down.