THE HSE has issued an urgent warning as they remind parents of the risks of choking.
The health service has said that children under the age of five are more likely to choke on food over anything else.
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They have warned parents and guardians of the risks of choking among children and urged them to ensure all food given to children is age appropriate.
The HSE said on X: “Food is the most likely thing that a child will choke on.
“Always make sure the food you give your child is suitable to their age and developmental stage.”
In a short video, they also shared the specific food to avoid giving any child under the age of five.
These foods allow for a much higher risk of a child choking.
The foods included whole or chopped nuts, marshmallows, popcorn, chewing gum, small hard sweets or chocolate.
This included boiled sweets, cough drops, fruit gums, jelly beans, lollipops, caramels and chocolate mini eggs.
Babies and children naturally put things in their mouths due to curiosity, which can often include food and cause choking.
It is important that a child is sitting in a high chair or at a table when eating and always have an adult supervising.
Children should never eat while walking or running or while in bed.
If possible, also avoid allowing your child to eat in the car or a buggy.
If you are the parent or guardian to older and younger children, the HSE urges that you make sure the older kids don’t share their food with their younger siblings.
Always keep food out of reach of children, as they may put it in their mouth while unsupervised and risk choking.
When your baby is beginning to eat solid foods, it is important to remember it is suitable for their age and developmental stage, cut up small enough and the correct shape and soft enough for them to eat.
Food for babies should be in a size that a child can chew and eat safely.
The HSE advises that you grate, cook, finely chop or mash food for babies to ensure the less risk of choking.
They also advise parents to peel off the skin or remove any strong fibres, seeds, pips or stones.
Grapes, cherry tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables of this size are a hazard and should be chopped smaller.
Harder fruits and veg like carrots, celery and apples should be grated, cooked, chopped or mashed.
Removing any skins is also a preventative method that is recommended, including on sausages, hot dogs, frankfurters, apples, pears, tomatoes, lettuce, raw salad leaves, spinach and cabbage.
Fruit should be cut length ways into pieces no bigger than your child’s small fingernail.
Thick pastes and spreads are also important to be mindful of as they can stick to your child’s throat and windpipe and make it difficult to breath.
If your child is choking and still coughing, their airway is not entirely blocked and it is important to encourage them to keep coughing.
If nothing happens, assist them by slapping their back, between the shoulder blades.
This is done safely by standing behind the child and supporting them as they lean slightly forward.
If after five slaps nothing happens, the Heimlich manoeuvre is needed.
If none of the above are working, call 112 or 999 and continue this cycle until the object is out or the ambulance arrives.
