Child safety
Cut round foods lengthwise for children
For a young child, remove hard parts and cut grapes, cherry tomatoes, and sausages lengthwise into quarters or smaller pieces.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-12
Why it matters
A whole round food or coin-shaped sausage can tightly block a young child's narrow airway.
Wrong action
Serve whole grapes or tomatoes, or cut sausage into round coin shapes for a young child.
Correct action
Remove hard parts, quarter lengthwise or cut smaller, seat the child upright, and supervise the whole meal.
What to do
- Wash the food, peel it when appropriate, and remove stones, bones, or other hard parts.
- Quarter grapes and cherry tomatoes lengthwise; cut sausage lengthwise into thin strips.
- Seat the child upright and stay beside them throughout the meal.
If something happens
If the child cannot cough effectively, speak, or breathe, call 999 and follow dispatcher guidance or trained age-appropriate choking first aid. If unresponsive and not breathing normally, begin age-appropriate CPR following the dispatcher. Do not give drinks or blindly put fingers into the mouth.
Sources and review
- Department of Health, Family Health Service — Healthy Eating for Young Children
Last reviewed: 2026-09-12 - Hong Kong Fire Services Department — Post-dispatch Advice
Last reviewed: 2026-10-12 - NHS — How to resuscitate a child
Last reviewed: 2026-10-12
This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.