Most of us choke on food from time to time. But little kids who will stick just about anything into their mouths really have problems. At least when we put things in our mouths, we are pretty sure it is okay for us. Little ones don’t even care about that.

So what should a parent do? Mostly parents need to keep their eyes open. As a parent you need to be aware of the foods that your child can have a problem with and be ready to help.

One of the worst things that attract a child is hard candy. You know you shouldn’t swallow hard candies whole but young children don’t. Even Life Savers can get stuck in your throat. The little hole in them is not enough to prevent chocking.

Popcorn is only for people who have teeth. Little ones want to eat popcorn when they see you eating it. Just remember that this is another choking hazard to avoid.

Grapes are fruit and you would think they would not cause a problem. They do. You child may try just sucking on them but it is one gulp and they are in trouble. Just like with popcorn, you need teeth to help them slide down your throat in small pieces.

If some fruit isn’t okay to try you certainly don’t want to give your little one raw vegetables that are hard. It is even worse when they are cut in circles. Carrots are the worst. If you do try to give your little one raw vegetables, cut them into long strips.

Not only do you not want to cut vegetables for your little one in circles, you don’t want to cut hot dogs in circles either. Just cut them up into small — actually, tiny — pieces but nothing that will get stuck in a little throat.

Just skip the nuts. They are tough and don’t become small unless they are ground up. Again, if your child sees you eating the nuts, he may want to give them a try. Don’t let him.

Small toys and toy parts are especially a problem for a little one who puts many things into his mouth. The warning labels on toys are worth checking. Be especially careful if you have older children who play with toys that have small pieces.

Other small things such as pins, coins, paper clips, buttons and jewelry are all more little things your child is likely to put into his mouth. In many ways, you child is helping you become a meticulous housekeeper. Most of these are found in rugs or someplace on the floor. Keep your eyes open because they are dangerous.

One more frequently overlooked choking hazard are balloons. Even deflated or pieces of balloons are a problem because they obstruct breathing when they are in the child’s mouth. Since little kids love balloons, you need to be careful to clean them up right away if they pop.

Observation is key

The best thing you can do to prevent choking is to be very observant of your child and to keep your house clean.

Pick things up off the floor, check under seat cushions and beds and any place else your little one is likely to find something to put in his mouth.

Pay attention to foods you eat that your child might want to try that he shouldn’t.

Talk about why he should not eat the hard candy, but remember he is a baby and won’t understand a lot of what you are saying.

Another way to be prepared is to take a first aid class to learn about choking and getting things unstuck.

Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and former executive director of Parenting Matters Foundation, which publishes newsletters for parents, caregivers and grandparents. To reach current First Teacher Executive Director Nicole Brewer, email nicole@firstteacher.org or call 360-681-2250.