Popcorn is considered a chocking risk, unpopped kernels are hard and small foods, while popped popcorn is a 'compressible food' this means that the food can be squashed into the shape of a child’s throat and get stuck there. The u003ca href=u0022https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/healthy-living/food-activity-and-sleep/healthy-eating/food-related-choking-young-children/foods-pose-higher-choking-risk-children-under-five-yearsu0022u003eNew Zealand Ministry of Healthu003c/au003e Recommends popcorn should not be given to children under 3 years of age, I've also seen recommendations of not for children under 4 and 5 on other guidelines.