Posted by: Tracy Mehan, MA on Feb 03, 2026


Choking is one of the leading causes of injury and death in young children—but many incidents are preventable. Learn which foods pose the biggest risk, how to prepare them safely, what small objects to keep out of reach, and why close supervision (and knowing CPR) are so important during your child’s early years.

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About this Blog

Pediatric News You Can Use From America’s Largest Pediatric Hospital and Research Center

700 Children’s® features the most current pediatric health care information and research from our pediatric experts – physicians and specialists who have seen it all. Many of them are parents and bring a special understanding to what our patients and families experience. If you have a child – or care for a child – 700 Children’s was created especially for you.

Latest Posts

E-cigarettes and Liquid Nicotine: Are They Safe to Use Around Kids?

May 10, 2016

You already know that secondhand smoke from cigarettes is bad for your kids, but do you know about the dangers of e-cigarettes? Since e-cigarettes, vape pens, and other similar devices hit the U.S. market several years ago, their popularity has skyrocketed. Read More

detergent dangers

Laundry Detergent Packet Dangers

Apr 25, 2016

Hey, moms and dads: I get it. You are busy. I’m a parent. I’m busy, too. My calendar is so full that I have to schedule time with my husband or it doesn’t happen. So I love products that make my life easier. Read More

Newborn Car Seat Safety - What You Need to Know

Feb 16, 2016

The birth of a child is one of the most exciting, anticipated and memorable moments for a mother and family. The preparation beforehand, baby showers and packing for the hospital all add to the excitement and anticipation. Read More

How to Choose the Right Summer Camp (Yes, in January!)

Jan 19, 2016

Right about now, parents across the country are feeling the pressure. It’s not because their New Year’s resolutions are beginning to slide, or that the neighbors are starting to notice that the holiday decorations are still up. Read More

fire escape plan

Fire Escape Plan: Can Your Family Get Out in Less Than Two Minutes?

Jan 14, 2016

As a mother and an injury research scientist, I’ve dedicated much of my career to keeping kids safe and reducing pediatric injuries, which are the leading cause of death for children. Read More

Early Sports Specialization: Does Benefit Outweigh Risk?

Jan 05, 2016

Early sports specialization is when a young athlete chooses a single sport to practice and play exclusively. This usually occurs prior to elementary or middle school, is nearly year-round, and is an attempt to gain early skills. Read More

Our Top 10 Posts of 2015

Dec 31, 2015

As we wrap up 2015, we want to take a moment to put a bow on the top ten 700 Children’s posts from the past year. This site is a wealth of information from our clinicians, researchers and staff and we thank them, and our readers, for sharing this space with us. Read More

Pierced Ears: How to Prevent Painful Infections

Oct 13, 2015

Thousands of kids get their ears pierced each year. Generally, ear piercing is a safe procedure, but a common complication is infection. Here’s what you need to know to help keep your little one’s ear piercings healthy and infection-free. Read More