Toddlers would chew on small objects, right when they
get their first tooth. The little ones cannot be resisted to do this
forcibly, because at this stage of development, it is inherent in them
to explore new things, by smelling, touching and tasting them. They are
curious to put whatever they come across into their mouths and figure
out the taste. In the process, they would try to gulp the objects.
During the process, chewing on objects often leads to choking, because
the little ones are distracted or playful while eating.
The prime reason behind choking in kids is the very small diameter of
the airway passage and gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, the swallowing
mechanism of babies is not fully mature. Apart from chewing on things,
the toddlers would try to 'smell' the objects, which leads to a choke in
their larynx or the bronchi as well. They tend to insert small things,
such as color pencils and chalks into their nostrils, which chokes them
and causes suffocation. It is the sole responsibility of the parents and
caretakers to prevent the children from placing objects in the little
mouth, because almost anything and everything are potential choking
hazards. Read the article and learn how to prevent choking in kids.
Choking Hazards For Babies
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