New AHA Choking Guidelines (2025-2030): Essential Tips for Parents

Hello, neighbor! As a parent, your main goal is keeping your little ones safe. Sometimes, everyday activities can come with surprises. Today, let’s talk about something that can make any parent’s heart race: choking. The American Heart Association (AHA) recently updated its choking guidelines. It's important to grasp how these changes impact your family. Let's dive into what you need to know to keep your kiddos safe.

Understanding Choking Risks

Choking is a real concern, especially for young children. Did you know around 5,000 children under age 14 go to emergency rooms each year due to choking? Understanding what items can cause choking helps you make better choices for your child.

Common choking hazards include:

(This image is displaying what NOT to give to your child)

• Food items: Hot dogs, grapes, nuts, popcorn, and chunks of meat or cheese can be risky.
• Small objects: Toys, coins, and buttons are often found in curious little mouths.
• Other items: Balloons, plastic bags, and household objects like batteries are also dangers.

You can minimize the risk of the hazards by following a few steps. For food items, make sure your child is old enough to eat these foods. Also make sure that you cut the acceptable foods in a way that does not block the child's airway. For example hot dogs and grapes should be cut so they are not coin shaped. By keeping these hazards in mind, you can take steps to protect your child.

New (2025)Guidelines: What You Need to Know

The AHA's updates stress the importance of prevention and education for parents and caregivers. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Infants (0-1 year): Offer age-appropriate foods. Stick to soft options like purees or mashed fruits and veggies. Always supervise feeding and keep distractions to a minimum.

2. Toddlers (1-3 years): Cut foods into small pieces. Cut grapes and cherry tomatoes in half(not so it looks like a coin). Avoid hard foods. Stay vigilant while they eat, and don’t leave them unattended.

3. Pre-teens (4-12 years): As kids grow, they may take bigger bites or not pay attention. Remind them to chew thoroughly and avoid running or playing during meals.

Being aware of choking risks for different age groups helps create a safer environment for your child.

Practical Tips for Prevention

Here are some practical steps you can take today:

1. Supervise Meal Times

Keep a close watch during meals. If your child is distracted or rushing, remind them to slow down. Encourage them to eat at the table where you can watch them.

2. Cut Food Appropriately

• For toddlers and younger kids, cutting food into small pieces is key. Here’s a quick guide:
• Hot dogs: Cut lengthwise, then slice into small pieces.
• Grapes and cherry tomatoes: Always cut in half lengthwise.
• Cheese: Cut into small cubes.

These small adjustments can greatly reduce choking risks.

3. Teach Safe Eating Habits

Encourage your children to chew their food well and take small bites. Turn it into a game. See who can chew the longest before swallowing!

4. Know the Signs of Choking

• Recognizing choking signs is crucial. If your child coughs or gags, encourage them to keep coughing, as this may help dislodge the object. If they can’t cough, speak, or breathe, act quickly:
• For infants: Use 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts, until it comes out or they go unconscious.
• For older children: Use NOW use 5 back slaps and 5 abdominal thrusts, until it comes out or they go unconscious.

Here is a video I created demonstrating the new changes

Keep emergency numbers handy. Consider taking a CPR course to be ready for any situation.

Educational Resources

• As a dedicated parent, it’s vital to educate yourself and your child about choking. Many organizations offer valuable resources, including:
• American Heart Association: They provide training and materials on CPR and choking. Their website is a great resource for parents. Find a class near you and take a training. 
• Local hospitals: Many offer first aid and CPR classes, including how to handle choking emergencies.

Incorporate Fun Learning

Make learning enjoyable! Use toys or puppets to act out eating and choking scenarios. Help your child understand what to do in an emergency. This builds confidence and prepares them to react calmly.

You Are Your Child's Best Protector

As you journey through parenthood, remember your awareness and proactive steps can greatly reduce choking risks. The AHA’s new guidelines offer a helpful framework, but your vigilance matters most.

Every moment spent learning, watching your kids, and teaching safe eating habits protects them. You’re doing an amazing job, and by following these tips, you’re being your child’s best protector.

Keep these tips in mind and share them with other parents in your community. Together, we can create a safer world for our children.

Thank you for caring and dedicating your time to keeping your loved ones safe. Take a moment to breathe and remember, you have the ability to make a meaningful difference!

If you have questions or need more resources, reach out. We’re all in this together!

Jeremy Manke is a PA-certified paramedic and Firefighter with over 20 years of experience. Creator of the Children's First Aid and CPR Kit to help prepare families for life's Emergencies.