Easter is a time of joy and excitement, especially for our little ones who look forward to enjoying their holiday treats. But it’s crucial to keep in mind the safety of our young children, especially around small toys, candies and allergens. Gail Gould, Houston’s CPR and Safety Lady, wants to share some actionable tips to ensure a safe Easter.
Easter Choking Hazards for Children Under 4-5 Years:
- Mini solid Easter eggs candies
- Small Easter eggs may obstruct a child’s airway
- Miniature toys or trinkets in plastic eggs
- Marshmallows pose a risk as they can be swallowed whole.
- Pieces from plastic eggs can break off
- Jelly beans
- Nuts in chocolates can trigger allergic reactions and pose choking risks
Important Things to Know:
- Children’s chewing and swallowing abilities are not as developed, even with all their teeth. Even when children have all of their teeth, their ability to chew and swallow is not fully developed. They may not be able to fully chew the food, especially if it is hard or sticky, into small safe to eat pieces.
- Young children may not have a fully developed swallowing reflex which makes it easier for food or objects to obstruct their throats before they can cough or expel them.
- Consider the impact of braces on a child’s ability to control food in their mouth and makes choking more common.
Safety Tips:
- Opt for larger, hollow chocolate eggs that can break into safer, larger pieces.
- Avoid games involving food. A game called “Chubby Bunny” where you stuff as many marshmallows into your mouth as possible has caused several deaths.
- Supervise treat consumption and egg hunt activities.
- Fill plastic eggs with safe, non-food items such as stickers, temporary tattoos, or toys that are large enough not to pose a choking hazard.
- Use books, puzzles, or plush toys as Easter gifts.
- Engage children in arts and crafts related to Easter.
- Offer safer snack alternatives like cheese cubes or fruit slices.
- Remember if it can fit into a toilet paper roll, it is small enough for a young child to choke on.
