The holidays bring delicious meals, laughter and memories with loved ones. But with all that excitement come a few hidden risks — especially for your littlest ones.
Whether it’s well-meaning family members offering food or kids running around during dinnertime, it’s important to stay on top of food safety and choking hazards.
Here are some tips to keep your kids safer and enjoy a stress-free holiday meal.
Watch Out for Choking Hazards
Holiday spreads are full of foods that could pose a choking risk for younger children. From whole grapes and nuts to popcorn and hard candy, it’s important to be cautious about what ends up on your child’s plate.
Pro tip: Cut food into small, manageable pieces. Grapes and cherry tomatoes should be sliced in half, while meats like turkey should be cut into bite-sized portions.
Holiday Treats: Be Selective
Cookies and pies are holiday staples, but some desserts can be harder to chew or may contain nuts or other small bits that could get stuck in a child’s throat. While you don’t need to deny your little one a sweet treat, pay attention to what’s in each dessert.
Pro tip: Avoid offering hard candies or caramel to younger kids, and always be nearby when your child is eating to help prevent accidents.
The Well-Meaning Relative
We’ve all been there — Auntie Sue hands your toddler a whole piece of pecan pie, or Grandpa gives them a chunk of hard cheese. Relatives may not always be aware of your safety preferences or what foods are safe for your child.
Pro tip: Set expectations early. Let family members know what your kids can and can’t eat to avoid any surprises. You can even provide a “safe snack” list or bring a special plate for your child so there’s no confusion.
Supervision Is Key
With so much going on, it’s easy to lose track of what your kids are up to during family gatherings. When mealtime rolls around, make sure there’s an adult watching over the little ones, especially while they’re eating.
Pro tip: Designate a “kid’s table” or a safe eating area where you can more easily monitor what and how they’re eating. That way, you can step in if a piece of food looks too big or someone offers them a snack they shouldn’t have.
Slow Down and Encourage Chewing
Kids get excited, especially during the holidays. But excitement at the table can lead to gulping food down too quickly, which can be a choking risk. Encourage your child to take their time and chew each bite properly.
Pro tip: Make it fun! Turn chewing into a game by counting chews or encouraging silly chewing faces to slow things down.
Avoid Small Toys at the Table
When thinking about safety during holiday meals, it’s worth noting that small toys, such as game pieces or figurines, can also pose a choking risk if left on or near the dining table. Be sure to keep small objects out of reach of little hands.
Pro tip: Offer safe, larger toys or coloring books to keep kids entertained before and after the meal to avoid any accidental mishaps.
Know What to Do in Case of Choking
Even with all the precautions, accidents can happen. It’s crucial that all caregivers know what to do in case a child starts to choke.
Pro tip: Take a refresher course in infant and child CPR and learn how to administer abdominal thrusts for choking. Having this knowledge can help you stay calm and act quickly if needed.
