Choking prevention: Two steps to keep your young children safe @ChildrensHospitalStl

Uploaded October 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

One of the scariest things a parent can experience is their child choking. Jamie Kondis, MD, a WashU Medicine pediatrician at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, says that prevention is the best way to protect your child from choking. Try focusing on these two things:

1. Keep small objects away from children under 4 years old. Children can quickly grab things and put them in their mouths, potentially choking. Be sure to check hidden areas such as under sofa cushions and furniture. Look for:
• Jewelry, including rings
• Small toys and toy pieces
• Buttons
• Magnets
• Button batteries

2. Young children should avoid eating certain foods that are choking hazards. • These include:
• Whole grapes
• Chewing gum
• Large pieces of meat
• Big chunks of cheese
• Large nuts

Make sure all caretakers, including babysitters and older siblings, know how to safely prepare food for your little one. Remind older siblings not to share food with younger ones.

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The St. Louis Children’s Hospital YouTube station is intended as a reference and information source only. If you suspect you have a health problem, you should seek immediate care with the appropriate health care professionals. The information on this website is not a substitute for professional care, and must not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. For help finding a doctor, St. Louis Children's Hospital Answer Line may be of assistance at 314.454.KIDS (5437). The opinions expressed in these videos are those of the individual writers, not necessarily St. Louis Children's Hospital or Washington University School of Medicine. BJC HealthCare and Washington University School of Medicine assume no liability for the information contained in this website or for its use.

Choking prevention: Two steps to keep your young children safe

$Meet Ollie Ollie is now a toddler, but his life so far has been filled with many ups and downs. After his mom’s routine pregnancy and delivery, the medical team in the delivery room detected something was seriously wrong within minutes of his birth. Ollie was transferred that day to St. Louis Children’s Hospital and once he arrived, Ollie’s family was told that he was one of the sickest babies in The St. Louis Children’s and Washington University Heart Center . At less than 12 hours old, his tiny body was placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), allowing his heart and lungs to rest. Ollie was diagnosed with obstructed infracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous return, a rare and critical heart defect. In addition, Ollie was also diagnosed with Down syndrome and coarctation of the aorta. He underwent his first open-heart surgery at just a few days old . Even through the hospital stays and routine cardiology appointment, Ollie has been a warrior through it all. Today, Ollie regularly visits St. Louis Children’s and continues to beat the odds stacked against him.$

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$Soccer Cleats: Do They Prevent Injuries? With spring sports gearing up, St. Louis Children’s Hospital physical therapist Gabrielle Griffin, PT, DPT, discusses how choosing the right soccer cleat can make a significant difference in preventing foot and ankle injuries in young athletes. • A proper fit can prevent unnecessary movement within the shoe, reducing the risk of ankle injury. • Dynamic fit collars, compression bands, or high-top designs offer additional ankle support. • Choose cleats with a stable sole plate and good traction to prevent slipping. • Comfortable cleats with adequate cushioning can reduce strain on ankles during play. • Select cleats appropriate for playing surface: firm ground, soft ground, or artificial turf. • Break in new cleats gradually to minimize the risk of blisters or discomfort. When your child has a sprain, strain, jam, or minor fracture, visit one of four Orthopedic Injury Clinic locations for a same-day appointment. You’ll receive immediate care from WashU Medicine orthopedic specialists, including on-site X-ray, splinting, and casting. We treat kids ages 5 and up. Need help finding a pediatrician? We’re here to assist. Learn more about what factors to consider when choosing a provider: https://www.stlouischildrens.org/conditions-treatments/find-a-pediatrician Visit our website for more MomDocs tips: https://www.stlouischildrens.org/health-resources/pulse?categories%5BMom%20Docs%5D=Mom%20Docs Subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/2vHvSCw Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stlchildrens Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stlchildrens The St. Louis Children’s Hospital YouTube station is intended as a reference and information source only. If you suspect you have a health problem, you should seek immediate care with the appropriate health care professionals. The information on this website is not a substitute for professional care, and must not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. For help finding a doctor, St. Louis Childrens Hospital Answer Line may be of assistance at 314.454.KIDS (5437). The opinions expressed in these videos are those of the individual writers, not necessarily St. Louis Childrens Hospital or Washington University School of Medicine. BJC HealthCare and Washington University School of Medicine assume no liability for the information contained in this website or for its use.$