Christmas is always cheerful, but full of activities when children are around.

But according to education experts at Skillstg.co.uk, this can make the holiday season one of the worst times for choking hazards. An excess of snacks, small toys, excitement and family gatherings can increase risks.

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, on average one child a month dies from suffocation in the UK and hundreds more require medical treatment.

Choking occurs when a patient’s airway is blocked, preventing him from breathing. Children have particularly narrow airways, which increases the risk of suffocation.

With that in mind, here is a list of the top 12 choking hazards for children, along with tips on how to help a baby or toddler who seems to be choking.

The 12 biggest choking hazards for children at Christmas

popcorn

Popcorn is a delicious snack that many enjoy without hesitation. However, it is recommended that children do not eat popcorn until they can chew and swallow completely by the age of four or five. Popcorn has a shape and texture that is highly likely to get caught in the airways, not to mention its light weight which makes it easier to inhale.

Marshmallows

Marshmallows are a serious choking hazard for young children. When mixed with saliva, the marshmallow’s consistency becomes sticky and difficult for a young chewer to swallow.

Cooked sweets

Cooked candy can easily get stuck in a child’s airway and will not disintegrate or melt as quickly as chocolate. These candies should be completely avoided for young children.

Gummy Bear

Gummy bears and other chews with a jelly texture can easily be swallowed whole and therefore pose a choking hazard.

pieces of cheese

Christmas is that time of year when many cheese plates are passed down to family members, but parents of young children should be careful with this snack. Because of its hard texture, pieces or cubes of cheese can easily get stuck in a child’s throat.

biscuits and rice cakes

Rice crackers and crackers can be quite dangerous for young children due to their coarse texture and dryness. Inexperienced chewers will have trouble easily shredding these snacks, making them a choking hazard. The edges of these two snacks can also become quite sharp and damage the inside of the throat.

Raw fruits and vegetables

Baby carrots, whole cherry tomatoes and grapes are choking hazards for small children due to their size. Be sure to cut it into small pieces to prevent choking.

Whole or chopped nuts

Parents should avoid giving whole and chopped nuts to young children. Nuts require very thorough chewing which children under the age of five cannot master.

dried fruit

Raisins and other dried fruits can be very tough and difficult for young children to chew. It should be cut small to prevent choking.

sausages

Pigs in blankets will certainly make an appearance at most Christmas dinners this year, but the tough skin and clumsy shape pose a serious choking hazard for children. Sausages and pigs in blankets should be cut into small pieces if given to a child under the age of four.

Christmas cracker toys

Cracker toys are often made with small parts that can pose a choking hazard to small children. You can find kid-friendly Christmas cookies online as a safer alternative.

toy packaging

Styrofoam, plastic and other small parts can pose a choking hazard to a child. Have a family member constantly clean out the trash when people open their presents.

What to do if a child under one year is choking

Check the child’s mouth first. When you can see the blockage in the throat, slide your finger over the object.

But if the lump isn’t visible, don’t try to wipe it off with your fingers or you’ll keep pushing it.

The British Red Cross recommends the following steps for a choking baby:

1: Give up to five blows to the back

  • Hold and support the baby face down on your thigh, with the torso and head lower than the buttocks.
  • Then, pat them firmly on the back in the middle of the shoulder blades. Do this five times.
  • If the backstroke did not work, go to step 2.

2: Give up to five chest thrusts

  • Turn baby’s face up and give up to five chest thrusts. Be sure to support your head.
  • Insert two fingers between her breasts, below the nipples, and press firmly five times.

3: Consult a doctor

  • Continue the back thrust and chest thrust until you have an open airway.
  • Consult a doctor, especially if the child is unresponsive.

What to do if a child chokes on you

1: Give up to five blows to the back

  • Hold and support the child face down on your thigh, with the torso and head lower than the buttocks. If this is not possible, support your child in a forward bent position.
  • Then, pat them firmly on the back in the middle of the shoulder blades. Do this five times.
  • If the backstroke did not work, go to step 2.

2: Abdominal-thoracic impaction

  • Kneel behind the child and place your arms under the child’s arms and reach for the upper abdomen.
  • Ball your fists and place them between your ribs and navel. As you grab this clenched fist with your other hand, pull it sharply inward and upward. Do not put pressure on the chest as this can cause damage.
  • Repeat this five times.

3: Consult a doctor

  • If the child is still conscious and has not dislodged the object, continue the back thrusts and chest thrusts until the airway is clear.
  • Consult a doctor, especially if the child is unresponsive.

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