How small is a choke hazard?
|
|
Time to read 5 min
Most parents and carers are aware that small objects can pose a choking hazard, but determining exactly what "small" means can be tricky. Without clear guidelines, it’s not always easy to know what to watch out for.
That’s where these photos come in. The mum’s hands provide a familiar sense of scale, and you’ll likely recognise the bricks she’s using. She’s also holding a Choke Tester —a specially designed small parts cylinder used in European Safety Standards . If an object fits inside or can be compressed to fit , it is officially considered a choking hazard.
Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple. Some items may not fit inside a Choke Tester but can still pose a serious risk due to their shape and texture . For example, hot dogs are one of the leading choking hazards in the U.S. because their long, slippery surface makes them difficult to chew and dislodge. Similarly, corner protectors can become a danger if they detach from a table—many are just the right size to fit inside a child’s mouth. That’s why Fred Corner Protectors are designed differently, using a choke-proof, child-safe design to eliminate this risk.
What can you do to Prevent Choke Hazards?
1. Keep Small Objects out of Reach
Many everyday household items can pose a serious choking risk —even those you wouldn’t normally think twice about. Coins (including larger ones like £2), buttons, beads, drawing pins, screws, lithium batteries, pen tops, deflated or broken balloons, marbles, and small toys can all be dangerous if a child puts them in their mouth.
While you may already be focused on keeping their cot or playpen a safe space , as soon as your child starts crawling, their ability to spot tiny objects on the floor increases dramatically. Items that roll just out of sight , like a coin that slipped under the sofa or a button that fell off a shirt, can quickly become hazards.
That’s why Stage 1 of baby-proofing should involve a thorough sweep of your home . Check under furniture, inside cupboards, along skirting boards, and in every corner of the rooms your child has access to . Make a habit of picking up anything that drops immediately —because the one time you forget might be the time they find it first!
Even before your little one is on the move, check the sofa and other soft furnishings regularly. It’s easy for coins, sweets, and other small objects to slip out of pockets , and a baby cuddling up on the sofa may find them before you do. Keeping small items safely stored away and doing regular floor and furniture checks can go a long way in reducing the risk of choking accidents.
2. Educate Older Children, Siblings and Carers
Preventing choking hazards starts with helping everyone in the household understand what’s safe and what’s not . A Choke Tester is a great tool for this—if you’re unsure what qualifies as a choking risk, it’s difficult to explain it to others.
By showing older children how the Choke Tester works, they can see for themselves which of their toys pose a risk and learn to keep small items away from younger siblings. Turning this into a fun, hands-on activity encourages them to take responsibility for safety in a way they’ll remember.
You’ll find a Choke Tester in the Fred Safety Check Tools Kit, which also includes a finger probe (to identify potential finger traps) and warning stickers to mark hazardous areas in your home. Educating the whole family helps build safer habits and creates a more secure environment for your little one.
3. Don't give Children under 4 Years Small, Round Food Items
Just because something is food doesn’t mean it’s safe for young children . Until around age 4, children lack the ability to fully chew and break down food like adults, increasing the risk of choking. To reduce this risk, always cut food into small, bite-sized pieces (around 1cm) and keep them away from small, round, or hard foods that could easily become lodged in their airway, such as whole grapes, cherry tomatoes, popcorn, nuts, and hard sweets..
4. Choose Appropriate Toys
When buying toys, always look for the CE mark and ensure they are age-appropriate for your child. If a toy contains small parts that pose a choking hazard, it will be marked with the Under 3 warning symbol:
As toys get loved and well-used , regular checks for damage are important—loose parts, broken pieces, or wear and tear can turn a once-safe toy into a potential choking risk . Choosing well-made toys from a responsible manufacturer and inspecting them frequently will help keep playtime safe.
5. Sit down when Eating
Running, jumping, and playing with food or objects in their mouths can be dangerous. A sudden fall or bump can easily cause choking or even damage their teeth . Young children are naturally active, and it only takes a split second for an accident to happen.
Encouraging them to sit while eating not only reduces the risk of choking but also helps minimise mess —a win-win for both safety and cleanup! Making mealtime a seated activity reinforces good habits and ensures they can chew and swallow safely without distractions.
6. Don't let your Child Eat or Drink Lying Down
Eating or drinking while lying down can be difficult and increase the risk of choking . If your toddler has a night-time drink in bed , encourage them to sit up while drinking for safety. Similarly, babies should never be left with a bottle unattended , as they may struggle to control the flow of liquid.
7. Keep Watching
Choking can happen in seconds, so close supervision is essential . Avoid giving your child food or drinks in the car—if they start choking, safely stopping and reaching them in time can be difficult. Staying watchful during mealtimes and play ensures you can act quickly if needed.
8. Be Prepared
In an emergency, every second counts—you won’t have time for a Google search. Take a moment now to read the Red Cross’ expert advice on what to do if a child chokes.
Choking is a serious risk— one child dies every month in the UK , and hundreds more require hospital treatment (RoSPA accident statistics). By understanding how small is too small and taking steps to child-proof your home , we can all help reduce these preventable accidents .
Author - Cheeky Rascals
