First Aid & Emergencies
Objects That May Cause Choking in Young Children
Teach your child not to put objects in his or her mouth. The following objects may cause choking in young children.
- Toys, such as:
- Jacks, marbles, and marble-sized balls
- Latex balloons, either uninflated or broken pieces. Balloons are easily inhaled into the windpipe.
- Those with small detachable parts, like wheels
- Household objects, such as:
- Coins
- Adhesive bandages
- Buttons
- Beads and other jewelry
- Thumbtacks and screws
- Paper clips, pen tops, and safety pins
- Clothing price tags
- Small holiday decorations
- Kitchen items, such as:
- Eggshells
- Bottle caps
- Plastic tabs from protective coverings on containers
Test small objects by passing them through a toilet-paper tube. If they fit inside, they could become lodged in the throat of a young child.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
6/, 011
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
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