Choking, Suffocation and Strangulation

Young children explore the world with their mouths. That normal behavior makes it essential to keep small objects, unsafe foods, and entanglement hazards away from infants and toddlers. Choking, suffocation, and strangulation are preventable when caregivers know what to watch for and how to set up the environment.

Why oral exploration matters

Little kids learn texture, shape, and cause-and-effect by mouthing objects. Anything that can block the airway—or wrap tightly around the neck—belongs out of reach. Balloons, small toy parts, coins, button batteries, cords, and plastic bags each create different risks.

Prevention tips

• Cut food for the child’s age: small, soft pieces; avoid whole grapes, hot dog rounds, nuts, and hard candy for young children.
• Keep small objects off floors and low tables; use toilet locks and secure the garbage.
• Choose toys labeled for your child’s age group; beware of older siblings’ toys with small parts.
• Keep window blind cords tied up and away, or choose cordless coverings.
• Never leave infants unattended on soft surfaces where faces can be buried in bedding or cushions.

More background from Safe Kids Worldwide:safekids.org (search choking and strangulation).

Related: button batteries, safe sleep, andsafety information.