Two popular treats are quickly becoming a major choking hazard for kids under four, prompting warnings from experts for parents to steer clear of the snacks.
Popcorn and marshmallows are some of the most dangerous hazards for young children, yet most parents are unaware of the hazard, according to children’s health experts at KidsSafe.
“Traditional-sized marshmallows are that perfect size to lodge in a child’s oesophagus,” KidsSafe CEO Holly Fitzgerald said.
A marshmallow’s sticky and soft consistency makes them extremely difficult to dislodge as they melt and get stuck in the back of a child’s throat.
“The back blow (technique) and the chest thrusts that we instruct parents to do often won’t actually be able to clear the airway for the marshmallows,” Tiny Hearts Education founder Nikki Jurcutz said.
Popcorn also poses a similar risk, as the kernels can get stuck in a child’s throat.
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”Popcorn (is) really dangerous but (it’s) often overlooked because we look at popcorn as a healthy option for our little ones,” Jurcutz said.
“Usually little ones will chew them up, they won’t chew them up properly and then they’ll start to cough and they’ll inhale those popcorn particles into their lungs.”
Parents are encouraged to feed their children popcorn under the healthy eating guidelines but the safety risks have prompted calls for the snack to be banned at all Australian childcare centres.
Experts are also calling for clearer national guides around what is considered safe to give to children, as well as better education about choking protocol.
”Every single day we receive a message from a parent saying they saved their child’s life from choking because they actually acted in that situation,” Jurcutz said.
