Let's Talk Turkey (and Choking Safety!)
Thanksgiving is almost here! I love this time of year when families and friends come together, share a delicious meal, and make wonderful memories.
With all the excitement around the holidays, I wanted to share a few important safety reminders, especially for those of you who will have little ones at your Thanksgiving table.
You may have heard about the heartbreaking incidents involving Texas elementary school children who lost their lives after choking at school. My heart broke when I heard about these families. Stories like these remind me why I'm so passionate about teaching CPR and choking prevention.
The good news is that there are simple things we can do to help reduce the risk.
Look at what's on the menu
If you're serving young children this Thanksgiving, take a moment to look at what's on their plates. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding certain foods for children under age 4, or preparing them differently to make them safer.
Some common choking hazards include:
Whole grapes and cherry tomatoes
Hot dogs and large pieces of meat
Popcorn, nuts, and seeds
Raw carrots and chunks of apples
Hard or sticky candies and marshmallows
Thick spoonfuls of peanut butter
Here's a tip I love sharing with parents: You don't necessarily have to eliminate every favorite food. Sometimes, changing how you prepare it makes a big difference, like cutting grapes and cherry tomatoes into quarters and slicing hotdogs lengthwise into quarters.
A few mealtime habits that can make a big difference
We've all seen a toddler grab a snack and take off running! As tempting as it is to let them eat on the go, I always encourage families to make mealtime a seated activity.
Here are a few habits to practice at home and during holiday gatherings:
Have children sit while eating. Save the running and playing for after snack time.
Keep an adult nearby. Even during a busy holiday meal, make sure someone is actively watching young children while they eat.
Slow things down. Encourage smaller bites and allow children time to chew and swallow.
Skip snacks in the car or stroller when possible. If choking occurs, it can be harder to notice and respond quickly.
And don't forget about all those visiting cousins and older siblings! Small toys, coins, balloons, button batteries, magnets, and other tiny objects can easily end up in little hands and mouths.
Would you know what to do if someone started choking?
This is one of the most important questions I ask in my classes.
Choking emergencies can happen quickly, and recognizing the warning signs is so important. If someone is coughing forcefully, encourage them to keep coughing and watch them closely. But if they can't breathe, speak, cry, or cough effectively, they need immediate help.
The American Heart Association updated its choking response recommendations in 2025:
For adults and children older than 1: Alternate five back blows with five abdominal thrusts.
For infants younger than 1: Alternate five back blows with five chest thrusts. Never perform abdominal thrusts on an infant.
Call 911 for severe choking and begin the appropriate choking relief steps. If the person becomes unresponsive, begin CPR.
These are lifesaving skills that I encourage every parent, grandparent, babysitter, teacher, and caregiver to learn and practice.
And here's something else worth teaching your children: the universal choking sign. Show them how placing both hands around the throat can signal that they need help when they can't speak.
Give yourself the gift of being prepared
One of the best things you can do for your family is learn how to respond before an emergency happens.
If you haven't taken a CPR class recently, now is a wonderful time for a refresher! I also offer a digital mini-course called How to Help Your Choking Child, which walks you through recognizing choking, preventing common hazards, and responding in an emergency.
As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope these reminders help you feel a little more confident about keeping your loved ones safe.
Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving!
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