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Objects That May Cause Choking in Young Children

Teach your child not to put objects in his or her mouth. The following objects may cause choking in young children.

  • Toys, such as:
    • Jacks, marbles, and marble-sized balls
    • Latex balloons, either uninflated or broken pieces. Balloons are easily inhaled into the windpipe.
    • Those with small detachable parts, like wheels
  • Household objects, such as:
    • Coins
    • Adhesive bandages
    • Buttons
    • Beads and other jewelry
    • Thumbtacks and screws
    • Paper clips, pen tops, and safety pins
    • Clothing price tags
    • Small holiday decorations
  • Kitchen items, such as:
    • Eggshells
    • Bottle caps
    • Plastic tabs from protective coverings on containers

    Test small objects by passing them through a toilet-paper tube. If they fit inside, they could become lodged in the throat of a young child.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
Last Revised January 26, 2011

Last Revised: January 26, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics & Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics

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