Choking is one of the major threats to young children both at home and in childcare settings. While you may do your best to protect your child at home, they may choke on something at a daycare center.
Here is what you need to know:
What are choking hazards?
Kids are typically exposed to various choking hazards at a daycare center. For starters, foods, such as whole grapes, nuts and seeds, large chunks of meat/cheese, raw vegetables and hard, sticky candy, among others.
A daycare should closely monitor children when eating and cut large chunks of food into small pieces. Additionally, kids should sit upright while eating.
Daycare centers with an unrealistic staff-to-child ratio are likely to report choking incidents because a good number of kids may be eating without supervision – some may be eating while walking or lying down.
Toys (small toys or those with removable small parts) are another choking hazard to children. A daycare center should closely monitor kids when they are playing. Further, toys for older children should be separated from those for younger children. The latter group should not be allowed to access toys with smaller parts, as they are not developed enough to handle them.
Some household items are also choking hazards for kids. These include coins, buttons, marker caps, marbles, hair clips, balloons, safety pins and batteries. Daycare centers should store household items properly (out of children’s reach) to prevent kids from picking them up and putting them in their mouths. Adult supervision is also necessary.
What can you do if your child chokes at a daycare center?
Receiving a call that your child has choked at a daycare center can be traumatizing. If this happens to you, consider seeking legal guidance to protect your child’s rights.