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Summer is filled with sunshine, outdoor adventures, and—of course—treats that help us cool down. But according to parenting educator and nanny @enchantednanny, some of those seemingly innocent favorites can pose serious risks for babies and toddlers.
In an Instagram video posted on May 1, Danielle Anne Manton-Kelly (@enchantednanny) explains the hidden dangers of summer foods that many parents might not think twice about. The clip has gone viral—not for shock value, but because it shares critical, potentially life-saving choking prevention advice that can help families make safer choices during mealtime.
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In the video, Manton-Kelly shares examples of foods she advises parents to avoid due to potential choking risks, which align with the general safety recommendations from pediatric experts.
Related: 180,000 Safety 1st car seats recalled over choking hazard—what parents need to know
Here are common choking hazards for toddlers that she warns parents to avoid:
1. Ice cubes
“They are so dangerous. They’re hard and slippery and can block the airway. People always think that because they melt, they’re not a choking hazard, but they take a long time to melt.”
Her advice: Don’t give ice cubes to babies or toddlers. Cool drinks in the fridge ahead of time or use thermos flasks instead. “Seconds really count” if a child’s airway is blocked by something as slippery and solid as an ice cube.
2. Popsicles
Another surprising hazard? Ice lollies (or popsicles).
“If your little one bites that, it becomes the perfect size to block an airway instead. I would always prefer to give a child an ice cream rather than an ice lolly to prevent a choking hazard from being there in the first place.”
Her advice: Skip popsicles for young children. Opt for softer alternatives like ice cream that don’t pose the same choking risk.
3. Barbecue Sausages, Hot Dogs and Cocktail Sausages
“They are cylindrical, they have a skin, so they don’t break down. If they get stuck, they’re not gonna melt. They’re not gonna go anywhere. Cocktail sausages… are the perfect choking hazard if you have toddlers running around. I just wouldn’t risk having cocktail sausages.”
Her advice: Cut sausages lengthways into quarters before serving. Always make sure children are sitting calmly and focused while eating.
4. Grapes
Grapes are a top choking hazard for young children because of their size, shape, and smooth texture, which make them difficult to chew and easy to swallow whole. To reduce the risk, always slice grapes lengthwise into quarters. For toddlers under 4, it’s even safer to remove the skin and seeds when possible.
5. Lollipops
Lollipops pose multiple risks—they’re hard, sit on a stick, and can easily cause injury if a child falls while holding one. Once the candy comes off the stick, it also becomes a choking hazard. It’s best to avoid lollipops altogether for young children. If offering sweets, stick to soft alternatives and always supervise closely.
6. Marshmallows
Despite their soft and squishy texture, marshmallows can be deceptively dangerous. They can compress and conform to the shape of a child’s throat, potentially blocking the airway. Because of this, marshmallows should be avoided for toddlers.
7. Popcorn
Popcorn’s dry, crumbly texture makes it easy to accidentally inhale, especially for younger children who may not chew thoroughly. Choking incidents involving popcorn are common, so it’s safest to avoid giving it to children under the age of 4. Reserve it for when they’re older and able to eat more safely.
8. Ham
Deli meats like ham can be tricky for toddlers to chew. Thin slices can fold and become slippery, increasing the chance of swallowing a large piece whole. If serving ham to a young child, shred it into very small pieces and avoid serving rolled or stacked slices.
Related: Fisher-Price recalls more than 250,000 stroller toys due to choking hazard
What the AAP and CDC say about choking risks
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) confirms that choking is a leading cause of injury and death among children—especially those under age 4. Their guidelines emphasize:
- Always supervise children while eating.
- Cut foods like hot dogs, grapes, and raw vegetables into very small, manageable pieces.
- Avoid round, firm foods unless they are modified to reduce risk.
The CDC adds that caregivers should avoid giving young children hard candies, whole nuts, and foods that are sticky or hard to chew. Even small, bite-sized snacks can be dangerous if not consumed while sitting calmly.
Final thoughts
By sharing this video, @enchantednanny does more than raise alarms—she offers concrete, compassionate Guidance rooted in both experience and care.
It’s easy to assume the foods we’ve grown up with are safe—but for little ones, those small, slippery, or oddly shaped bites can quickly become dangerous. This video reminds us that knowledge isn’t fear—it’s preparation. As always, parents should consult with their child’s pediatrician about any concerns or questions regarding safe foods.
So as summer approaches, go ahead and enjoy the sunshine and snacks. Just make sure safety is part of the recipe, too.
Sources:
- Choking prevention. 2010. American Academy of Pediatrics. Prevention of Choking Among Children.
- Choking prevention for babies. American Academy of Pediatrics. Choking Prevention for Babies & Children.
- Choking hazards. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Choking Hazards.