By: Jillian Bethune

It is crucial to take precaution when cooking for your child or preparing a meal. The majority of childhood choking injuries are food related. This is because small children like to explore by putting things into their mouths. The items can then become choking hazards.

DO Cut foods into small, easy to swallow pieces. Avoid tiny or hard foods until you child is older. Watch your child carefully while they’re eating. Make sure they’re sitting while they eat. Don’ts Don’t leave your child alone around a hot stove or water. Don’t leave cords out that children can pull on and make items fall on them. Don’t let your child in the kitchen if you’re cooking a using a stove, knife, or anything they could hurt themselves on.

Hard candies, cough drops gummy candies chewable vitamins Peanuts sunflower seeds fish with bones snacks on toothpicks or skewers Foods to avoid for children less than 4 years of age

Make sure all raw food is washed/cleaned properly. Serve easy to chew foods. Make sure your child is getting the proper nutrition.