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Infant Choke Foods

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From Vincent Iannelli, M.D., About.com

Updated: February 11, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD

Although parents often remember common 'choke foods,' like hot dogs, peanuts, and hard candy, they forget that young kids can choke on uncut spaghetti.
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Uncut spaghetti is a choke foodPhoto (c) Michelle Milliman
Uncut spaghetti is a choke food
In addition to uncut spaghetti, uncut hot dogs, peanuts, and hard or gooey candy, other common choke foods for infants and toddlers include:
  • whole grapes
  • popcorn
  • nuts
  • chunks of peanut butter (if your toddler isn't at risk for food allergies and you decide to give him peanut butter, spread smooth peanut butter thinly on bread or a cracker)
  • chewing gum
  • raisins
  • raw vegetables
  • chunks of meat
  • chunks of cheese
The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that all of the above foods are a choking hazard for kids under age four, unless it is chopped completely (which isn't practical or possible for some foods, like popcorn, nuts, or chewing gum).

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