When your baby grows, his/her curiosity is going to also grow. And, one curiosity they’ll have will be the food on your plate. Now, you may be delighted to add more food to their diet, but you have to keep in mind that not all food is good for your baby – some foods, when introduced at the wrong stage, could cause your baby to start choking. What foods should you avoid?
12 to 24 Months
1
Large Chunked Foods :
Toddlers have a hard time eating raw vegetables such as carrots, green beans, cherry tomatoes and celery. When introducing vegetables, make sure you fully cook the vegetables so you can cut them up before you serve them. Cheese and meats should also be cut into tiny pieces.
2
Low Fat Milk :
Toddlers should be drinking whole milk for its calories and fat to stimulate growth and development. After 2-years-old, you may start giving him/her a low-fat milk. Your doctor may suggest giving your child low-fat milk before age 2 if he/she is at risk for heart disease or obesity.
3
Small, Hard Foods :
Any food in large chunks or smaller foods like nuts of any type or popcorn. Children do not have the capacity to grind food to decrease it to a size that allows them to swallow it effectively. Peanut butter can stick to the roof of their mouth, causing them to choke.
4
Sticky and Soft Foods :
Don’t give your child any gum or soft foods such as jelly, gummy bears or marshmallows since they can get caught in their throat. Again, no peanut butter.
- Don’t allow your child to eat in the car when you’re driving, as you can’t easily watch them for signs of choking
- Avoid rubbing on teething medications since this may numb the throat and keep them from being able to swallow
24 to 36 Months
Although your child is getting better at eating, the chances for him/her to choke on their food is still possible. Still follow the above rules and don’t let your child eat while distracted, which includes watching TV or walking.
