When my first child, Alex, was around 18 months, we found ourselves at a breastfeeding support group in a familiar home. As always, there was a spread of snacks suitable for little ones, and I felt a sense of relief when I saw Alex happily munching on apple slices. As a notoriously picky eater, any healthy food that he was willing to eat was a win. He was devouring those apples, standing right by the table, and I thought to myself, “Wow, he must be really hungry,” while engaging in discussions with other parents about the challenges of getting our toddlers to sleep through the night.
Suddenly, Alex began to cough loudly and cry. Initially, I thought it might be a typical coughing fit, but this time it sounded different. He was visibly distressed, and fear filled his eyes. In that moment, I felt a surge of panic and confusion as I realized he might be choking. Thankfully, one of the mothers in the group sprang into action. “Place him over your knee and give his back a few firm pats,” she instructed.
In a daze, I followed her guidance, feeling the weight of his small body against my leg and hearing his strained breaths. I kept delivering firm pats, uncertain of my technique, but suddenly I heard a small pop. To my astonishment, I saw a smashed piece of apple on the carpet, and as Alex stood up, he coughed one last time, spitting out a hard piece of apple—the source of his distress. He let out a single cry but quickly broke into a grin as if nothing had happened.
Relief washed over me as I pulled him onto my lap, asking him softly, “Are you okay?” He replied in his adorable toddler language, trying to wriggle off my lap, his eyes once again drawn to the bowl of apples. Meanwhile, my friend was already removing the apples from the table, and guilt started to wash over me. “How could I have been so careless?” I lamented. “He was shoving those apples down without a second thought, and I should have anticipated this.”
After receiving soothing words from other mothers, I asked the friend who had helped me how she knew what to do in that situation. “I took an infant and child CPR class a few months ago,” she explained. “I even had to use it last week when my son nearly choked on a piece of candy. I thought we were past that stage!”
A Lasting Memory
Now, nearly 13 years later, that incident is etched in my memory, a vivid reminder of the fear and guilt that can accompany parenthood. One surprising aspect of that day was my ignorance regarding the choking hazards of sliced apples. While I was aware to avoid giving my child small, round foods like grapes or cherry tomatoes, I mistakenly believed that sliced apples were safe. It turns out, however, that hard apples—especially those with skin—can pose a significant choking risk for toddlers.
According to a 2010 New York Times article, apples are among the top choking hazards for children. It’s crucial for parents to understand that the risk extends beyond common items like hot dogs and popcorn; hard fruits with peels can also be dangerous. As outlined by Seattle Children’s Hospital, awareness of food and non-food choking hazards is vital. In fact, research shows that over 50% of choking incidents involve food, but the risk from non-food items has increased significantly in recent years.
Dr. Emily Carter, a Pediatric Intensivist at Green Valley Medical Center, emphasizes the importance of every parent learning infant and child CPR. “Understanding how to handle a choking emergency can make all the difference,” she advises. “If you’re not trained, don’t hesitate to call 911 for immediate assistance.” Children can choke on various items, not just food; everyday objects like coins and batteries can also lead to dire situations. Button batteries, in particular, can cause severe harm if ingested, making it imperative to ensure your home is safe.
Taking Proactive Steps
While I don’t want to instill fear, it’s essential to be informed about potential choking hazards and to take proactive steps to keep children safe. It’s also wise to enroll in an infant and child CPR class. I did so shortly after Alex’s incident, and although I never had to utilize those skills again, the knowledge gave me peace of mind. If you haven’t yet, consider signing up for a CPR class. They’re typically affordable, often between $20-$40, and many organizations, like the Red Cross, offer online options. This could potentially save a life.
For further insights on this topic, you might find this article helpful, as well as information on CPR kits available at Make A Mom. Plus, for a thorough overview of pregnancy week by week, I recommend checking out March of Dimes.
Conclusion
In summary, the experience of my toddler nearly choking on an apple remains a poignant memory. It taught me the critical importance of awareness regarding choking hazards and the necessity of being prepared with CPR knowledge. With the right information and training, parents can navigate these frightening situations more confidently.