Grapes!

[AnonyMouse_7610]

Does anyone know if there is any guidance (eg NHS?) about the cutting up of grapes to prevent choking? And what age it refers to?

Thanks x

[AnonyMouse_19762]

Hello

Not sure what guidance there is - but pretty sure that a child at Nursery choked on a grape, some years ago - so, yes I always cut grapes in half - better safe than sorry :1b

[SueFinanceManager]

This might help

http://www.childrensfoodtrust.org.uk/assets/eat-better-start-better/CFT%20Early%20Years%20Guide_Interactive_Sept%2012.pdf

Page 18 talks about cutting grapes to prevent choking

[AnonyMouse_7610]

Perfect, just what I was looking for, thank you! x

[AnonyMouse_9650]

We cut up (or ask parents to if they bring in a packed lunch) all small hard fruits e.g., cherry tomatoes, grapes and cherries - I'm sure that I read somewhere that a child died choking on a meat ball too. If anyone quibbles I take that tack that we are ensuring the safety of 30 children at lunch time and not just one so if it helps keep them safe so be it. We have pampered chef knives too which means that the children can cut up their own as well

[AnonyMouse_19920]

on our first aid last week they spoke about the need to cut up things like grapes until children well into infant school - to remember to cut long ways and not across too.

apparently in usa a child died choking on a hot dog sausage -the type you get in tins - it is the perfect size to stick in a child's throat and where it is slippery and slimy almost impossible to get out.

[Guest]

I always cut up grapes and even big blueberries for the Grandchildren (4yrs and 2yrs) - daughter thinks I'm crazy, so thanks for the info!