How Small Should Table Food Be Cut Up for Toddlers?

Toddlers have small airways and don't realize the danger of shoving half a sandwich in their mouths, which is why choking is always a serious concern. In fact, food is responsible for 50 percent of all choking incidents, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics website, Healthy Children.org. By the time children are toddlers, they're able to consume many but not all foods, and most options still require caregivers to cut the food into smaller, precise pieces.

  1. The Measurement

    • Each piece of table food your toddler eats should measure no larger than 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch square, according to both the National Health and Safety Performance Standards for Early Childhood Education and HealthyChildren.org. This includes soft, easily edible foods ranging from scrambled eggs and watermelon to veggie burgers. It's important to note this guideline does not mean just because a food is served in this measurement it's automatically safe for toddlers.

    Dangerous Solid Choking-Hazard Foods

    • Solid foods that can get lodged tightly in a toddler's airway should be avoided. Hot dogs, large nuts, hard candy and whole grapes are the perfect size to plug toddler's small airways, according to HealthyChildren.org. Some of these softer foods can still be served as long as they're cut into appropriately-sized pieces. For example, slice grapes into quadrants and hot dogs lengthwise and again width-wise into small 1/2-inch pieces.

    Sticky Choking Hazards

    • Foods with a sticky, chewy consistency aren't safe for toddlers, even if they're served in 1/2-inch sections, and are best reserved for children over 4 years old, according to HealthyChildren.org. A small spoonful of chunky peanut butter, for example, can easily get stuck in a toddler's throat if swallowed whole. Caramel, taffy or chewing gum, even when served in the correct size, are difficult for toddlers, who may not have all their teeth, to chew and soften properly before attempting to swallow the entire piece.

    Other Ways to Prevent Choking

    • In addition to serving toddlers appropriate food cut into 1/2 inch pieces, it's also important to set safe guidelines during meal or snack time. Running, climbing or jumping while eating any food -- regardless of the consistency or size -- increases the potential for choking, according to HealthyChildren.org. Even a toddler who eats her snack while reclining on the couch or lying on the floor is at risk for choking on otherwise safe, toddler-friendly food. The safest approach is to have toddlers eat while sitting down, completely upright.

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