Did you know your child could choke on popcorn?

Children see, touch and taste from the word ‘go,’ which is why it is vital for any hometo be converted into a toddler-safe zone as soon as your baby starts to crawl. Before you even realize it, children pick up anything and it goes straight into those little mouths;and that can lead to choking.

Here are eight things that we unsuspectingly keep lying around our houses but can actually pose a serious threat to our little ones:

1. Snack food: Common snack food like popcorn, peanuts or dry nuts can easily get stuck in a child’s airway passage, which is as thin as a plastic straw. Generally, children are left unattended while consuming these, which can be dangerous.
2. Grapes: Whole grapes are like small balls that can slip down the tongue and cause children to choke.#ParentuneTip:It’s always better to slice them length-wise.
3. Candy/Gum: Hard candy can easily be swallowed by children under 4. One should avoid them as much before then, and definitely do not let your child run around with candy in their mouth.
4. Latex balloons: Generally, children tend to burst their balloons while playing. These pieces of deflated balloons can easily block the airway passage if put inside the mouth.
5. Toys: Small toys, round objects, marbles, small balls or parts of toys can be a threat. Make sure children are given toys according to the recommended ages, and the toy basket should be cleared out regularlyto get rid of such things.
6. Buttons: Small buttons are generally kept in every house, usually found scattered. One has to make sure to keep them in a proper place away from a child’s reach. They look attractive to kids, but can easily make them choke.
7. Coins: Like buttons, coins are also commonly found in drawers, table tops, boxes, etc. Designate a proper place for these coins, like a closed box or a piggy bank. In fact toddlers can be given a piggy bank and taught to put the shiny coins inside. (Personally, my 2 year old daughter has her own bank, and we have taught her to put away all the coins wherever she finds them; and she completely adheres to it!).
8. Talcum Powder: Powder is fun for kids and they love to play around with it, but ensure that the powder box is kept inside a cupboard. There have been cases of children squeezing talcum powder into their mouths, blocking their air passage!

The crux is to be vigilant and keep a check on things that can be hazardous for your child. It is always better to keep as much stuff as you can at a particular height, inside cupboards/boxes and to mop the floors at least twice to get rid of unwanted stuff.

Was this blog helpful for you? What are some of the other common hazards, you feel? Let us know in the comments below!