How to Prevent Choking

The most important thing any parent or caregiver can do to prevent a child from choking is to supervise meals and snacks.

• Avoid giving babies foods that could block their airway (throat) if swallowed whole
• Children should be sitting down while eating. Running around and playing when they have food in their mouth can be dangerous
• Keep an eye on older brothers and sisters who might try to feed a younger child large pieces of food or hand them tiny objects that can be swallowed

If your baby is choking, call 911 and follow their instructions

For training on how to deal with choking or if breathing stops, contact your local hospital or Red Cross agency for class dates and costs. You can also visit NC Health Info's "First Aid Instruction" webpage for a list of organizations in your county that offer CPR and First Aid classes.