Choking Hazards

We recommend that children under 6 years of age not be given nuts, whole grapes or slices of hot dogs (unless they are cut up into pieces small enough to swallow whole).  Children younger than 6 years of age lack the molar teeth necessary to grind up these foods.  This then leads the child to increased risk of aspiration (inhalation of food).  If your child aspirates food the only solution is to surgically remove the food through a scope in the opperating room.  Needless to say, this is something we hope to avoid for your child.