Headphones may seem like a good idea, but they can contribute to the problem as well. Few things are as frightening as watching your child gasp for air. Dr. Charles Macias, an emergency-room physician at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, offers these tips to protect children from choking. Balloons are fun while they are inflated, but deflated or popped rubber and latex balloons can be deadly. Never let young children play with, chew or blow up balloons.
Some foods also can cause choking.
Do not give children under age 4 nuts, popcorn, grapes, gum, hard candies or hot dogs cut crosswise into circles or chunks. When buying toys for your child, follow the age ratings to ensure they are safe for your child. Keep items such as buttons, coins, marbles and safety pins away from small children. Be prepared for an emergency by learning CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver through a community organization such as the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.