Here are the main choking hazards for children, especially those under 5 years old (highest risk group):
Foods (most common cause)
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Whole grapes (should be cut lengthwise into quarters)
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Hot dogs/sausages (should be sliced lengthwise, not in round pieces)
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Nuts & seeds (including peanuts, sunflower seeds, popcorn kernels)
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Hard sweets/candies (boiled sweets, lollipops, gum)
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Marshmallows (soft but can block airway if swallowed whole)
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Chunks of raw fruit & veg (apple, carrot, cucumber – should be cut into thin sticks, not round slices)
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Cheese cubes (safer when shredded or cut small)
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Popcorn (not recommended under 5 years)
Household Items & Toys
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Small toy parts (LEGO, beads, figurine pieces)
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Latex balloons (especially broken or uninflated pieces)
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Coins & batteries (button batteries are extremely dangerous – choking + chemical burns)
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Pen caps, bottle caps, buttons
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Marbles
Other risks
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Clothing accessories (drawstrings, toggles, hair clips)
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Jewellery (earrings, rings)
✅ Key prevention tips for parents/carers:
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Always supervise young children while eating.
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Encourage children to sit while eating (not running/playing).
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Cut food into safe shapes/sizes.
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Follow age-appropriate toy safety guidelines.