Some toys and household items can be a potential choking hazard for small children.
Choking hazards for babies and toddlers are more common than many parents realise, and choking can happen quickly and without warning. Knowing what to look for is one of the most important things a parent or carer can do.
Children under three are at the highest risk. Their airways are small, and they naturally explore the world by putting things in their mouths.
Small items such as buttons, coins, rubber balls and lollies can all be a choking risk, as can parts that come off faulty toys. Large pieces of fruit and food can also pose a risk.
ACCC & Red Nose Recommendations
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and Red Nose recommend always giving children under three years of age toys that:
- Are strong
- Won’t break into small, brittle parts that can cut, choke or cause suffocation
- Have large shapes that babies can easily pick up and sort through
- Are safe if babies place them in their mouths
- Small hands can easily hold, shake or rattle
- Have simple actions, surprises or sounds and pictures
- Have simple letters or numbers
Families should check warning labels to see if a product, such as a toy, is appropriate for the age of their child. If you are concerned about a toy or other product, you can check the ACCC’s Product Safety website to see if the product has been recalled due to a defect.
To help you identify toys and other objects that can pose choking hazards, the ACCC has a free Choke Check tool.
Common choking hazards for babies and toddlers at home
Many choking hazards aren’t toys at all; they’re everyday household items that are easy to overlook. Common culprits include:
- Coins and batteries: Small, round, and easy for little hands to find.
- Button batteries: Especially dangerous as they can cause serious internal burns if swallowed. Read more here.
- Balloons: Both uninflated and broken pieces pose a significant risk.
- Small hair ties, clips and jewellery: Often left within reach on bedside tables or bathroom benches.
- Pen lids and small stationery items
- Small magnets: Particularly those found in older or faulty toys.
Common food choking hazards
Food is one of the most common causes of choking in babies and toddlers. As your child begins to explore solid foods, it’s important to prepare food in age-appropriate ways.
Foods to be cautious with include:
- Whole grapes, cherry tomatoes and berries, always cut into quarters
- Raw carrot, apple and other hard vegetables and fruits
- Nuts and seeds
- Lollies, hard sweets and chewing gum
- Chunks of meat or cheese
- Popcorn
Always supervise young children while they are eating, and make sure they are seated upright.
Keeping your home safe doesn’t have to be overwhelming
Regularly getting down to your child’s eye level and scanning for small objects on the floor and within reach is a simple habit that can make a real difference. When buying toys, always check the age recommendation on the label, these are there for safety reasons, not just developmental ones.
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