Preventing Accidental Injuries in Childhood
How to Avoid Toy-Related Choking Deaths in Young Children
Nov 5, 2009
One of the most enjoyable things about being a parent or caregiver is watching a child happily engaged in playing with a new toy. For parents and caregivers of children under the age of four, it is imperative to check the safety of the toy first.
Children in this age group are more likely than any other to sustain accidental injuries. Each year approximately 500 children between the ages of birth and 48 months die as a result of choking and suffocation, the vast majority caused by toys. These deaths and related injuries are totally preventable. By following a few simple guidelines, parents and caregivers of young children can avoid having their child become a tragic statistic.
Small Toys
As infants grow and develop, the mouth serves as a sensory organ. They put objects in their mouths in order to explore shape, texture, and taste. Children often continue this behavior into the early preschool years, as they are unable to distinguish between what is edible and what is inedible.
A toy safe enough for a child under the age of three should be larger than 1 ¼ inches in diameter and 2 ¼ inches in depth. While there are products on the market for testing the size safety of toys, an empty toilet paper roll serves the same function without the inflated price.
Simply take the toy in question and see if it fits inside the toilet paper tube. If the toy fits inside the tube, it is not safe for a child who might put it in its mouth. If the toy cannot fit inside the tube, it is safe for the child to play with.
Latex Balloons
Latex balloons are the single greatest cause of toy-related choking deaths in children every year. These balloons are usually brightly colored. They attract children’s attention, causing them to want to bite and chew them. Latex, made from liquid rubber, is very sticky. When a balloon is ingested by a child, it is very difficult to remove, even with the Heimlich maneuver.
If using latex balloons with children under the age of eight, adults should carefully supervise. Children should never be left alone with uninflated balloons. When children are done playing with them, latex balloons should be deflated and carefully disposed of. If a balloon pops, every piece should be collected. Foil balloons are generally much safer for children. When foil balloons pop, they do not break into pieces.
General Safety Tips
In order to prevent choking deaths in young children, parents and caregivers can follow these general guidelines for maximum safety:
- Check toys frequently and keep them in good repair.
- Immediately discard toys with broken or missing parts.
- Keep buttons, coins, rocks, and safety pins out of children’s reach.
- Never allow young children to eat unsupervised.
- Avoid foods that can choke such as whole grapes or berries, hard candy, popcorn and hot dogs until children are four years of age
- Teach children to make the distinction between things that are edible and things that are inedible.
- Learn CPR and first aid, including how to do the Heimlich maneuver. Check with the Red Cross for local classes.
- Regularly check for toy and product recalls and safety information at Safe Kids USA.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. U.S. injury and mortality statistics.
Grossman, David C. "The History of Injury Control and the Epidemiology of Child and Adolescent Injuries". The Future of Children (2000): 10(1), 23-52.
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