Spooky season is upon us, so our favorite holiday is finally here: Halloween!
Many children participate in the Trick or Treat tradition, going door to door and getting candies from their neighbors. Kids get to indulge in all their favorite snacks on the one night of the year. BabyCenter recently researched a significant number of commonly distributed Halloween candies that can present choking hazards for young kids.
Working with pediatric hospitalists, BabyCenter has categorized Halloween treats into two groups: those safe for children of all ages and those that present choking hazards for kids under four years old.
Just a few of the unsafe candies that parents should look out for include Reese’s Pieces, M&M’s, Twizzlers, Gummy Bears/Gummy Worms, Milk Duds, lollipops, candy corn, Jawbreakers, Jolly Ranchers, Sour Patch Kids, and Hot Tamales.
Some of the treats safe for all ages include Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Twix, Snickers, Kit Kat bars, Butterfingers, Hershey Bars, Milky Way bars, and Animal Crackers.
BabyCenter says that Chocolate bars or commercially packaged cookies and cupcakes are safe because they allow the food to break down easily and melt in the mouth. And never let children eat unsealed baked goods they are given by strangers.
Other hazards found in candy bags include small toys that toddlers can get their hands on, bouncy balls they can ingest, marbles, temporary tattoos, or loose candy wrappers.
Some signs of choking parents should look out for include gagging when a child opens their mouth and pushes their tongue outward. Dr. Elizabeth Donner says that If a child is choking, they will struggle to breathe and not make any noise, and it is time to act.
If your child starts choking, start by calling 911. For kids younger than one-year-old, quickly give five back blows alternated with five chest thrusts, repeating until choking is resolved or the child goes unconscious.
For children 12 months or older, use the Heimlich maneuver. If the child should lose consciousness, CPR should be performed until help arrives.
FAQs
"The things you want to look out for are the candies that are really hard, chewy, that's round, spherical shape, so things like Reese's pieces, hard candies are very worrisome, gummy worms or gummy bears," added Hilmantel. "Not to demonize any candies in particular, but for young children those do pose a choking risk."
What candy is choking hazard Halloween? ›
Just a few of the unsafe candies that parents should look out for include Reese's Pieces, M&M's, Twizzlers, Gummy Bears/Gummy Worms, Milk Duds, lollipops, candy corn, Jawbreakers, Jolly Ranchers, Sour Patch Kids, and Hot Tamales.
What are the hazards in Halloween candy? ›
The majority of Halloween candies pose a choking risk to young children. Candies that are round, chewy, or gummy are all considered choking hazards. To ensure you're giving safe treats to toddlers this Halloween season, opt for larger treats that melt in the mouth, like chocolate bars or cookies.
What is the number 1 choking hazard? ›
It's hard to believe that food as small as grapes can pose a choking hazard, but it's true. Grapes are the number one choking hazard for children, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Hot dogs are a choking hazard for babies and toddlers, so you should avoid feeding them to your baby or toddler.
Is candy corn a choking hazard? ›
Candies that fit these criteria are more likely to cause a choking incident in young kids and should be avoided entirely.” According to BabyCenter, the following candies should not be given to children under the age of four: Blow Pops. Candy Corn.
Are candy eyes a choking hazard? ›
This medley contains pressed sugar shapes that are very hard and as with any hard candy, represent a choking hazard to small children and risk to your teeth. Please consume with caution.
Are skittles a choking hazard? ›
Here are the top candies that pose a choking hazard: M&M's. Reese's Pieces. Skittles.
What are choking hazards for Halloween? ›
Choking hazards: If you have very young children, be sure to remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys.
What are the hazards of candy? ›
Candy is often recognized as one of the leading causes of food choking hazard in children under the age of 3. Due to the packaging, shape, slipperiness and consistency, the candy posed a potentially serious choking risk, particularly to infants, children, and the elderly.
Is it OK to eat Halloween candy? ›
“Most of the commercial candy products you'll see handed out this year are safe to consume and store for several months after trick-or-treating, but homemade candies and treats require a little extra scrutiny. These treats typically won't last as long as your store-bought favorites.”
Most common choking foods
- Hot dog.
- Hard candy.
- Chewing gum.
- Nuts and seeds.
- Chunks of meat or cheese.
- Whole grapes.
- Popcorn.
- Chunks of peanut butter.
Choking can be caused by any of the following:
- Eating too fast, not chewing food well, or eating with dentures that do not fit well.
- Drinking alcohol (even a small amount of alcohol affects awareness)
- Being unconscious and breathing in vomit.
- Breathing in small objects (young children)
It's important to choose foods that are not only cut into small pieces, but are also soft and easy to swallow. Here is a list of foods that pose a choking hazard for kids until the age of 4: Hot dogs. This is the #1 choking food we see in our Emergency Department.
Is Halloween candy safe? ›
Avoid Any Candy That Is Loosely Wrapped, Punctured, or Discolored. After close examination, take notice if there are any pieces of candy that have been tampered with.
Can 2 year olds eat Hershey Kisses? ›
The short answer is yes, it's safe for toddlers over 2 years old, but for babies younger than that, doctors advise to avoid all the sugar and caffeine it could contain.
What Halloween candy has been recalled? ›
Slime Licker Sour Rolling Liquid Candy and Cocco Candy Rolling Candy may present a choking hazard.
What to watch out for in Halloween candy? ›
Safety Tips For Checking Halloween Candy
- An unusual appearance or discoloration.
- Tiny pinholes or tears in wrappers.
- Spoiled or unwrapped items.
- Homemade items or baked goods should be discarded unless you personally know who gave them.
- When in doubt, throw it out.
Parents of very young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys from the Halloween bags. Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers.
What are the fire hazards for Halloween? ›
Teach children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o'-lanterns with candles in them. Keep Halloween decorations away from open flames and other heat sources, such as light bulbs and heaters. Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes. Make sure all smoke alarms are working.
Is my Halloween candy safe? ›
Candies from regular companies will have safe, recognizable wrapping. Any unusual appearance such as discoloration or tears and pinholes in wrappers should be thrown away.
