Mum of two shares the moment her worst nightmare became a reality.
When Niamh walked in to collect her child from daycare she was met with a terrifying sight.
“She was blue and unresponsive. It was the worst fear I have ever felt in my life. She did not respond to any back slaps and the ambulance were en route when we arrived,” Niamh explains to Kidspot.
“All I could see was her tiny ponytail that sits on the top of her head shaking every time a back slap was administered but to no effect.”
The toddler had been eating a treat with marshmallows in it.
Mum’s Warning
Sharing a warning on Facebook, Niamh wrote :
“Last weekend we had the utterly terrifying experience of watching our baby girl loose consciousness while choking on a marshmallow. We were extremely lucky that the right people were on hand and have no doubt that their quick actions saved Doireann’s life.
I have promised myself that I will make others aware that marshmallows and children do not mix. Sometimes I like to think I know everything but I did not know this!!
The melting marshmallow begins to seep down the throat, expanding and blocking the airway making it impossible to dislodge. Even if the marshmallow does not begin to melt, it is a very airy sweet which is easily sucked down the airway if talking or laughing while it is in the mouth.
Our baby is 17 months old but even for young children and adults these “treats” are lethal.
Please, please bin any mallows you might have at home and spread the word to make everyone aware.
After 2 nights in Temple Street with the most amazing staff, Doireann is now back to being the little dictator that she is accustomed to . We are the lucky ones!”
Although Niamh admits they did cop some abuse from people telling her she should never have given her toddler marshmallows. Not helpful at all people!
Mum warns parents to ALWAYS slice grapes after her two year old son almost choked to death
This alarming x-ray went viral showing how important it is for parents to be vigilant about food even as your children get older.
Earlier this year a concerned mum warned thousands of parents on social media after posting a message about the dangers of children and solid Easter eggs. Read her post HERE.
Some useful advice to consider when preparing food for young children is:
- Avoid pieces of raw carrot, celery sticks and chunks of apple (for example). These foods can instead be grated, par boiled so they are slightly softer, or mashed.
- Sausages, frankfurts and other meats with coarse outer skins should be cut into small pieces and the skin/fat removed. Stringy meats such as chicken and steak also need to be cut into small pieces or minced.
- Do not give popcorn, nuts, whole grapes, hard lollies, corn chips or other similar foods to young children.
Because the environment in which children eat also has an impact on safe eating, it is important to:
- Always stay with your young child.
- Make sure that your young child sits quietly while eating.
- Never force your young child to eat, as this may cause them to choke.
What to do if a young child chokes via Kidsafe
Check first if the child is still able to breathe, cough or cry.
If the child IS breathing, coughing or crying, the child may be able to dislodge the food by coughing:
- Check the child’s mouth for food; remove any food that you can see (scoop it out with your fingers).
- Stay with the child and watch to see if their breathing improves.
- If coughing has not removed the food and your child is not breathing easily, phone 000 for an ambulance
- Give up to 5 sharp blows between the shoulder blades using the heal of your hand.
- Check the child’s mouth after each back blow and remove any food.
- If the child is still not breathing, commence CPR. The ambulance service operator will be able to tell you what to do next.
Warning to parents: Popcorn can kill.
Have you had a similar terrifying moment with your child?
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