When baby first starts to feed themself on finger food or with a spoon there may be an occasion where they choke or seem to choke. Here are some ways to minimise the risk of that happening.

To reduce the risk of choking for first time finger foodies try to keep to these tips:

• Don’t force baby to eat if he or she is crying or getting distressed
• Make sure that food is soft enough for baby and add small chunks or different textures gradually
• Avoid small hard things like raisins, hard sweets, nuts, raw hard vegetables, whole grapes and foods that don’t break up easily when gummed
• Never leave baby alone whilst eating or drinking