Objects That May Cause Choking in Young Children

Teach your child not to put objects in his or her mouth. The following objects may cause choking in young children.

• Toys, such as:
  • Jacks, marbles, and marble-sized balls
  • Latex balloons, either uninflated or broken pieces. Balloons are easily inhaled into the windpipe.
  • Those with small detachable parts, like wheels
• Household objects, such as:
  • Coins
  • Adhesive bandages
  • Buttons
  • Beads and other jewelry
  • Thumbtacks and screws
  • Paper clips, pen tops, and safety pins
  • Clothing price tags
  • Small holiday decorations
• Kitchen items, such as:
  • Eggshells
  • Bottle caps
  • Plastic tabs from protective coverings on containers

  Test small objects by passing them through a toilet-paper tube. If they fit inside, they could become lodged in the throat of a young child.

Credits

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer	John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Last Revised	January 22, 2013