As the country celebrates National Safe Kids Week, it is the perfect occasion to address how to keep the little ones safe while they play.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday, June 18, issued an advisory reminding the public of the importance of the safe use of toys and childcare products in preventing the risk of choking.

“Children are naturally curious and tend to explore their environment by putting objects into their mouths. As a result, they tend to swallow things that they shouldn’t or what we call choking hazards,” the FDA said.

It cited choking hazards such as small parts, toy figurines, jewelry, loose components, poorly constructed toys that can easily break apart, and toys with small detachable parts like buttons, batteries, and magnets.

“Because children have smaller airways than adults, they are at a higher risk of choking, making it a significant concern for parents and caregivers,” the FDA noted.

The agency said that identifying choking hazards is important to prevent accidents by removing or securing these objects out of children’s reach.

It added that understanding choking hazards presents an opportunity for parents and caregivers to educate themselves and others about safe practices for children, including selecting appropriate toys for their child’s well-being.

‘Choke Guard’

FDA said an essential tool for protecting children from choking hazards is the anti-choking tester.

Designed to measure the size of small objects and assess their potential risk, the tool mimics the dimensions of a child’s throat.

It provides a quick and reliable method to evaluate the safety of toys and other items before they are accessible to children during play.

Adapted from a design by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the FDA has introduced a printable do-it-yourself (DIY) version known as the “Choke Guard.”

How to use

FDA said using the Choke Guard involves straightforward steps to ensure children’s safety from choking hazards.

Prepare the DIY anti-choking tester by printing out the attached file, Choke Guard, or using a clean toilet paper roll. Ensure that the Choke Guard or toilet paper roll is clean and free from any debris or residue.

Check the toy size by testing small toys or objects through the Choke Guard or toilet paper roll. If an object fits entirely inside the roll, it poses a potential choking hazard and should be kept away from young children.

Store hazardous objects that fit entirely inside the roll-out of reach or in securely locked cabinets to prevent children from accessing them.

Teach family members, caregivers, and babysitters about the importance of monitoring small objects around young children and using an anti-choking tester as a tool for assessing choking hazards.

FDA also reminded consumers to verify if toys or childcare products have been authorized by the agency by checking the FDA Verification Portal.