What must caregivers do to prevent choking?

Understanding a child's chewing and swallowing abilities is crucial for caregivers when it comes to preventing choking. Each child develops at their own pace, and recognizing their skills helps in determining what types of food are appropriate for them. By assessing these abilities, caregivers can make informed decisions about the size, texture, and consistency of food they provide. This consideration helps ensure that the food is manageable and safe for the child to eat, significantly reducing the risk of choking.

While offering smaller bite sizes can aid in preventing choking, knowing the individual child's specific abilities is fundamental to making those choices effectively. Similarly, avoiding all solid foods is neither practical nor beneficial for a child's development. Cutting food into tiny pieces may help, but it does not replace the need for understanding each child's unique capabilities, which ultimately guides safe feeding practices.