Need Advice on Talking Safety with My Daycare Provider

Chrissy,

As parents who had to do the Heimlich TWICE on our son at about 18 months and again when he was about 2 (due to him over-stuffing his mouth), we are a bit cautious - maybe over cautious about choking.

I'd just tell her that you have a friend who this past weekend had to do the Heimlich on her 2 1/2 year old because he was eating a grape/hotdog/piece of banana and started to laugh and it got stuck in his throat.

This is a little white lie, I know and usually I don't believe in lying, but it would make the conversation easier, I think.

Good luck.

T.

I'm with you Chrissy. I'll probably always cut my son's grapes in half. I feel you can never be too sure. I am going through the same thing at my daycare ( I went to pick him up and another little boy was holding some pills in his hand). Anyway, If you really like her and want her to continue watching your son, you have to feel comfortable knowing he is there you should mention it. There are a ton of ways to say it without sounding accusatory. Also, send along food and snacks. Then you know exactly what he's eating or tell her you are worried he might put small toys in his mouth and ask her advice. Anyway, whatever you decide to do, I wish you peace of mind.

K.

2 years is often the point that choking on food is less of a problem with kids. Under 2 years old, it is important to cut fruit into small pieces or cut thin at least to avoid choking, but very rarely would a child over 2 have trouble with choking on a grape. Keep in mind that grapes, apples and hot dogs are often not cut up for the children older than 24 months in a center, so I don't think your provider is necessarily being unreasonable if all the kids are over age 2. Chips is another thing that they are not supposed to have BEFORE age 2, so age 2 seems to be the point that choking on food is less of a problem. As far as the toys, a lot of toys are not for kids under age 3 because of possibly still being so oral and the risk of choking. I'm guessing they were smaller coins that could be choked on as opposed to the large plastic coins and a toy maybe not meant for under age 3.
Some kids take longer, so those ages tend to be on the little bit generous side (especially toys because the companies don't want to be sued), like I allowed my boys things a little sooner because they were fine with them. I watched them to be sure, but never had a problem. (like whole grapes starting at about 21 months and smaller toys by 2.5 but they didn't mouth toys a lot). So all that to say try not to be too hard on her if it's within the age standards.
Maybe mention that you tend to be protective, so she doesn't feel offended or criticized and bring it up with her that you are concerned about your son choking and would like for him not to have access to smaller toys that could be choked on like coins and such. And maybe ask that she cut his food up since he's not extremely efficient with chewing yet. Best wishes!

Does your son talk yet? Is he very verbal? If so you could either take the approach that your son knows that you cut his grapes up to keep him safe and that he asked you to ask her to do it.

OR

You could tell her a story about an incident that you "recently heard of" where a child choked several times in a week at a daycare facility and now the parents are looking into legal action because the facility didn't take precautions. As a teacher, you have full access to these stories. And sometimes stories are less abrasive than addressing issues directly. No matter how nice you could put it, you could still cause issues.

My vote? Be creative and creatively share with her your concerns. Good luck.

N

Age 2 and under is the age of concern for choking. by DCFS standards daycare providers do not need to cut food ( grapes) past that age. Coins- I let my 3 and 4 year old play with them- away from younger kids. if I have a child who puts things in his mouth even if they are older i watch them extra close at all times. My sister actually swallowed a nickel when she was 7 or 8. She did not choke- just shallowed it right down. She was fine-
Regardless I would maybe bring up supervision at all time. When we go outside there are wood chips and rocks all over anyone can pick up. I am extra carefull outside.
I run a daycare ages 6 months - 4 years old and have had one chocking incident- on an orange slice. I got it up ok and the little girl was fine.