Will you be travelling in the car this Christmas to visit friends and relatives? Those long car journeys can be pretty boring for little ones. And when kids get bored they can also get hungry!
How many times have you given your children food in the back of the car? Have you ever considered what would happen if they were to choke? If not, you’re not alone.
If your child is eating in the back of the car and you are driving or sitting in the passenger seat you can’t be watching them in the way that you need to.
Remember, severe choking is silent.
Your child won’t be able to ask for help. And even if you are aware they’re choking how quickly and safely are you going to be able to pull over in order to help them? What if you’re on a motorway?
Choking is a leading cause of death for children under the age of three. [ROSPA]
So our advice is to NOT give food in the car.
If you’re travelling long distances schedule snack stops and don’t give in to the temptation to give your kids food in the back of the car. It’s not worth the risk.
Remember the difference between mild choking or gagging and severe choking…
If a child is mildly choking or gagging they will:
Go red in the face
Cough and splutter
Thrust their tongue forward
Gag
If a child is mildly choking, the best thing you can do is leave them to work it out themselves. Don’t stick your fingers in their mouth to fish out whatever’s in there as this can push it down further and lead to severe choking.
If a child is choking severely they will…
Be silent and unable to make noise
Go red initially but then will begin to go a blue or grey colour
Have a surprised or panicked look on their face
If a child is choking severely they need your help. Act fast to move the blockage.
To learn exactly what to do if a baby or child chokes book onto one of our friendly and relaxed first aid classes to learn and practise the vital skills that could save your child’s life.
Click here to find your local trainer.