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Small Foods Pose a Choking Risk for Young Kids Skip some foods, cut others up, and know how to respond to an emergency It's a milestone parents like to see: A child transitions to solid foods from breast milk or formula. But it comes with a risk. Choking sends thousands of infants and toddlers to emergency rooms each year, and food often plays a part. As curious young children explore their environment, they put food and other objects into their mouths that can get stuck in their throats. "They don't have molars that would help them grind food to a fine consistency," says Gary Dela Cruz, M.D., Honolulu pediatrician. Gary Dela Cruz, M.D. It's fun to play with food, but eating can't be a game for toddlers, he says. "Protect them by creating a safe eating environment and avoiding some foods until your child's molars come in, around age 4." Dr. Dela Cruz recommends these safeguards for mealtimes: Supervise your child during meals. Sit your child upright in a high chair. Discourage eating and talking at the same time. Cut food into small pieces until your child's molars have come in. Don't let your child run with food in his or her mouth. Set a good example. Ban these foods until your child reaches age 4: Nuts and seeds Peanut butter sandwiches Popcorn, pretzels, and hard candies Hot dogs (or remove the skin and cut the meat into small pieces) Whole grapes Raw vegetables, especially hard ones like carrots Raisins Chewing gum Choking Emergencies Choking can occur even if you take precautions. If your child has a forceful cough and is crying or vocal, let the child get the food out, says Dr. Dela Cruz. If your child can't make a sound, perform the Heimlich maneuver. Don't wait for an emergency to learn! Kapi'olani Medical Center offers a pediatric CPR class, which covers how to perform the Heimlich maneuver. Call 808-535-7000 for information and registration.