Candy Safety

It is the season of love and sweets! While a piece of candy may seem harmless, candies do pose a threat to small children. The National Library of Medicine found that kids ages one to three are more likely to choke, and it is the leading cause of death in that age group. While your kids are exchanging candy this Valentine’s Day, it is important to be mindful of safety hazards in their sweet treats. If you’re concerned about your child’s safety, Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care provides kids urgent care services and attention that may be needed in case of any accidents. Here are a few things to keep in mind:  

 Choking Hazards 

• Lollipops: These can pose a significant choking risk. Specifically, the rounded ones can pose a threat to little ones. The sticks from lollipops are not meant to dissolve and can be dangerous if ingested. Pro Tip: Another option is to buy flat lollipops – they are safer than the ball-shaped ones.  

• Candy Wrappers: Sometimes, wrappers might be confused with food. Pro Tip: Make Sure they are thrown away properly to avoid choking hazards. 

• Hard Candies: Hard candies are among the top choking hazards for children. Candy like lemon-drops, hard caramels, and jellybeans, are all choking hazards. Pro Tip: Choose softer, bite-sized treats for safety for little ones –examples of soft treats include things like small bites of chocolates and cotton candy.  

• Soft Candies: For toddlers, these types of candies can be hard to chew, and sometimes soft candies can get stuck to the roof of the mouth. Pro Tip: Avoid candies like gum for preschool aged and younger children, monitor closely when they enjoy marshmallows or other gummi treats.  

• Don’t Walk or Run: It is important that children do not eat candy as they walk around. Pro Tip: Our kids urgent care recommends that children should bring all their treats home to be checked for choking hazards, or unwanted materials, and allergens. 

Choking emergencies can happen in any age group and in any setting, so it is important to know what to do if your child is choking. If the child cannot breathe at all, or if they appear pale or have a weak cough, they need immediate attention. Call 911 for medical emergencies including choking emergencies.