Nanny Shares Common Summer Choking Hazards in Viral Video

Summer is packed with excitement—pool days, picnics, popsicles and playdates. But while parents may be focused on water safety, sunscreen and hydration, a viral video from early years educator and mom of three, Danielle Anne Manton-Kelly (aka @EnchantedNanny), is putting the spotlight on a less talked-about threat: summertime choking hazards.

In her video, which has resonated with thousands of parents, Manton-Kelly walks through a list of common seasonal foods that can pose serious dangers to babies and toddlers. Here’s what she says to watch out for and how to make some summertime favorites safer.

1. Ice Cubes and Popsicles

“They’re hard and slippery and can block the airway,” Manton-Kelly warns of ice cubes. “People always think that because they melt, they’re not a choking hazard—but they take a long time to melt. If your child is choking on a whole ice cube that is blocking their airway, the seconds really count. Do not give ice cubes to babies or toddlers.”

Instead, she suggests cooling drinks in the fridge or using a thermos. “I would always prefer to give a child an ice cream rather than an ice lolly [popsicle] to prevent a choking hazard from being there in the first place.”

2. Barbecue Sausages, Hot Dogs and Cocktail Sausages

Grilled items can also be risky. “Sausages are cylindrical and have a skin, so they don’t break down if they get stuck,” she says. To make them safer: “Cut them lengthways into quarters… and make sure your child is sat down and not talking or running around while they’re eating.”

Cocktail sausages are especially tempting for little hands but come with added risk: “It’s very easy to take one out of the packet and put them straight into the mouth and they are the perfect choking hazard. If you have toddlers running around. I just wouldn’t risk having cocktail sausages.”

3. Grapes

“Grapes are again the perfect shape and size to block an airway,” she explains. “Cut them again lengthways… and quarter it as well. If we cut grapes in the middle, not lengthways, you still have enough of a width to block an airway.”

4. Lollipops

“We need to be really careful with lollipops—anything that is a hard cylindrical shape that could get stuck in an airway,” says Manton-Kelly. Hard candies should be avoided for younger children unless specifically designed for their age group.

5. Marshmallows

Whether around a campfire or in s’mores, marshmallows are a sticky danger. “They are really sticky and can get stuck really quickly…even the tiny ones,” she notes. “If you’ve got little ones, I would keep those marshmallows under lock and key.”

6. Popcorn

This popular movie-night snack can be particularly treacherous. “It is light as a feather, which means it can easily be inhaled really quickly. It can get stuck, it can irritate the throat causing it to swell, or it can just block the airway.”

7. Ham

Even sandwich fillings aren’t off the hook. “Ham is another one of those things that can very quickly fly to the back of the throat and get stuck,” she says. Her advice? Stick to safer options like cheese or jam when packing picnic sandwiches.

As parents pointed out in the comments, choking hazards can extend far beyond the usual suspects. Stay vigilant and don’t miss these 11 expert tips to help keep your child safe at mealtime. And if it’s been a while, now’s the perfect time to refresh your baby CPR knowledge—it could make all the difference.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.