Introducing solid foods is a major milestone in the life of every toddler and parent. The baby can finally start exploring and tasting different foods and ingredients, while we, as parents, can watch the process with a mix of joy and concern.

Indeed, the first years are not easy when it comes to introducing solid foods, as many ingredients can pose various risks on this already challenging path, such as the risk of choking.

Do you know which foods are most to be avoided due to the risk of choking? 

No? Don't worry, I've gathered them for you!

 

Avoid these in the baby's first year: 

 

1. Anything small

Whether it's peas, blueberries, or grapes, these small, round ingredients can pose a serious danger when whole. It's worth pureeing them to neutralize the risk! 

 

2. Any leafy greens, salads

A great example is spinach leaves, which, although rich in iron and an important ingredient in the kitchen, can cause choking when whole. Therefore, always chop them very finely and wilt or steam them before adding them to the baby's food! 

 

3. Any dried fruits

Although dried fruits can be great for flavoring cookies or porridge, due to their hard, chewy texture, it's worth giving them to our baby cautiously and in moderation. If you want to enhance a dish with them, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes (to soften them) and chop them into very small pieces!

 

4. That pesky apple

Unfortunately, apple cut into wedges can also be a serious hazard in the baby's first year, so always ensure it is served steamed, grated, or peeled and cut into thin slices! 

 

5. Raw vegetable slices

In the first years, it's worth avoiding thick, long slices of raw vegetables (like carrots or celery stalks), as they can easily go down the wrong way. However, after the age of 4, these ingredients, which also function as great snacks, can be given with greater safety!

 

6. Cherry tomatoes

Unfortunately, neither their shape, size, nor slippery outer skin makes cherry tomatoes particularly safe, so ensure they are served quartered during your child's first 4 years! 

 

7. Larger grapes

Due to similar properties to cherry tomatoes, larger grapes also pose a serious hazard, so serve this ingredient quartered as described above during your baby's first years!

 

8. Seeds and nuts

Walnuts, almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds... They also pose a serious choking hazard! After successful introduction, they can be added to foods in very finely ground form, or offer their creamy, spreadable alternatives! 

 

9. Sausages

Although sausages are a favorite food among little ones, due to their size and texture, it's also worth serving them cut into small - not round - pieces during the baby's first year! 

 

10. Nutella and other spreads

Oh, how nice it is to lick peanut butter off a spoon! But not for the little ones, for whom the “choking”, sticky substance can easily get stuck in their throat! Therefore, it's better to offer these treats thinly spread on bread for a few years! 

 

 

The Absolute No List

Last but not least, here is a list of foods that are completely unnecessary for children aged 1-4 years, and these treats also pose a serious choking hazard:

- Chips
- Popcorn
- Hard candy
- Chewing gum

We can prevent many accidents by avoiding the above four as much as possible, preferably for as long as possible! 

 

 

Naturally, every child is different, even in terms of choking hazards! Therefore, it is worth relying on our own judgment and knowledge of our child when offering riskier foods! 

In every case, take the time to carefully prepare the food and ensure that when your child is eating, both their attention and yours are primarily focused on the meal. In many cases, the problem arises because we, as parents, do not react in time - perhaps because we weren't even in the room - or our child is not eating under ideal conditions: they are moving around, perhaps watching TV, and not concentrating on the food. 

So if we become aware of these little things and pay more attention, we have already done a lot for safer and more enjoyable meals!