What every parent should know

The NHS and the British Red Cross teach different choking first aid for babies under one and for children over one, and both stress acting quickly. Round, firm foods are the classic hazard because they can plug a small airway. Button batteries are especially dangerous if swallowed because they can cause severe internal burns within hours, even if the child seems fine at first.

01Food choking hazards

Whole grapes, cherry tomatoes, whole nuts, chunks of hard fruit or raw vegetables, sausages, popcorn and hard or chewy sweets are common causes of choking in young children.

What helps

  • Cut grapes, cherry tomatoes and similar round foods lengthways into quarters.
  • Cut sausages lengthways and into small pieces; remove skins where possible.
  • Do not give whole nuts to children under five; use smooth nut butters thinly spread instead.
  • Always supervise meals, and keep children seated while eating, not running or lying down.

02Small objects and button batteries

Coins, small toy parts, marbles, balloons and magnets are choking or swallowing hazards. Button batteries in remote controls, toys and key fobs can cause life-threatening burns if swallowed.

What helps

  • Check toys are suitable for your child's age and free of loose small parts.
  • Keep button batteries and devices that contain them out of reach, with battery compartments secured.
  • Keep uninflated or burst balloons away from young children.
  • Crawl around at child height to spot small objects on the floor.

03Not knowing what to do

If a child is choking and cannot cough effectively, the NHS and Red Cross describe back blows followed by chest thrusts for babies under one, and back blows followed by abdominal thrusts for children over one, calling emergency services if the blockage does not clear.

What helps

  • If the child can cough, encourage them to keep coughing and stay with them.
  • Take a baby or child first aid course so you can act confidently.
  • Keep the NHS or Red Cross choking guide where carers can see it.
  • Call emergency services if the object does not come out, and start CPR if the child becomes unresponsive.

Weekly checklist for parents of under-fives

  • Cut round foods lengthways every time.
  • Keep children seated and supervised at every meal and snack.
  • Check the floor and sofa for small objects each day.
  • Store button batteries securely and check battery covers on devices.
  • Share choking first aid with grandparents and babysitters.
  • Book a baby or child first aid course.

When to see a professional

  • After any choking episode where the child needed back blows or thrusts, even if they seem fine.
  • A cough, wheeze or noisy breathing that starts after a possible choking event.
  • Drooling, refusing food or pain swallowing.
  • Any suspicion that a child has swallowed a magnet or other object.

If you suspect a child has swallowed a button battery, go to the emergency department immediately, even if they have no symptoms. Call emergency services if a choking child cannot breathe, cough or cry, or becomes unresponsive.

Where ONU fits

ONU is for adults and does not monitor children. Parents can use ONU to look after their own sleep and recovery. The steps on this page, and a first aid course, are what protect children from choking.

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Common questions

At what age can children eat whole grapes?

Many safety organisations advise cutting grapes and similar foods lengthways until at least age five, because young children's airways are small.

What is the difference between gagging and choking?

Gagging is a noisy reflex that helps move food forward and is common when babies start solids. Choking is often silent: the child cannot breathe, cough or cry and needs help immediately.

Should I put my fingers in the child's mouth?

Do not sweep blindly with your fingers, as this can push the object further in. Only remove an object you can clearly see and easily reach.

Sources and further reading

Educational information drawn from the public-health sources listed on this page. It is not a diagnosis, a treatment plan or a guarantee that you will avoid an illness or injury. ONU does not diagnose, treat or prevent disease. Speak to a qualified professional about anything that concerns you, and follow the rules of your employer, sport or local health service.