While food is the primary cause of childhood choking, holiday decorations and other seasonal hazards can also be dangerous. If an item fits in a tube that's one and three-quarters inches wide, a child can choke on it.
Safety precautions
Hang ornaments, lights and tinsel out of reach. Shiny and inviting, these tree decorations should be kept on the upper half of the tree or placed on wreaths that are out of a toddler or young child's reach.
Remove fake berries from table centerpieces. Kids are usually hungry, and fake berries look just like the real thing, so remove any artificial centerpiece components that resemble something edible.
Pick up small items like spare change, buttons and jewelry. If you are not used to having youngsters around, these choking hazards may be stored in jars throughout the house or left loose on counters; move them to a high shelf.
Give toy batteries to parents after the celebration instead of wrapping them with the gift. You don't want kids to suck on or accidentally swallow batteries that are supposed to power their new toys.
Toss wrapping paper, tape and ribbon as soon as the presents are opened. Have a trashcan handy and dispose of these choking hazards after each gift is opened.
Store food out of reach while you prep the meal. Little ones may grab bite-sized or full-sized items and stuff them into their mouths; prep a few kid-safe snacks in advance for hungry children to enjoy between meals.
Create a choke-free holiday when you implement these six precautions so everyone can enjoy a safe and happy celebration. For related guidance on decorations and insurance, see Holiday Safety, Decorations and Insurance Guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size item is considered a choking hazard for young children?
An item that fits inside a tube one and three-quarters inches wide is a choking risk for young children, so keep small objects out of reach.
Where should ornaments and tinsel be placed to reduce risk?
Place ornaments, lights and tinsel on the upper half of the tree or on high wreaths where toddlers and young children cannot reach them.
How should I handle small gift components like batteries?
Give loose batteries to the child’s parent or store them safely; do not wrap them with gifts where a child might find and swallow them.
What should I do if a child starts choking?
If a child is choking and cannot breathe or cough effectively, call emergency services immediately and begin appropriate first aid such as back blows and abdominal thrusts if trained to do so.