How to Prevent Children From Choking

First published September 2013
Updated February 2026

Choking is a real fear every parent faces. When your little one starts to put pieces of food in their mouth you need to be aware of the dangers those certain foods can pose. Choking is a year-round hazard among children and a leading cause of injury and death, especially among children 3 years of age and younger. Food, coins and small toys can cause choking if they get caught in the throat and block the airway.

Children don’t master chewing until they’re 4, 5, sometimes 6 years old.

Consider these choking prevention tips for kids until they’re at least 4 years old. Taking these very small steps could prevent injury.

• The foods that children are most likely to choke on are foods that are either round in shape or firm in consistency.
  • Never give young children: nuts, gumballs, hard candy, popcorn, seeds, chunks of nut butter, chunks of meat or cheese, gooey or sticky candy, raw vegetables, chewing gum, and marshmallows.
  • When serving hot dogs, sausages, or cheese sticks, quarter them: cut it lengthwise, turn it, cut it lengthwise again, then cut slices.
  • Cut grapes into at least 4 pieces.
  • Instead of apples, give young children applesauce.
  • Children should never run, walk, play or lie down with food in their mouths.
  • Always supervise mealtimes.
• Young children explore their world by putting things into their mouth. Be sure to keep these household items out of reach of little hands: latex balloons, coins, marbles, small balls, toys with small parts, pen or marker caps, button batteries, high-powered magnets.
• Learn first aid for choking and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
• Be aware of older children's actions. Choking incidents can occur when an older child gives dangerous foods, toys, or small objects to a younger child.
• Check the minimum age recommendations on toy packages. Age guidelines reflect the safety of a toy based on potential choking hazards as well as children's development.