Health Tip: Reduce Your Child's Risk of Choking

(HealthDayNews) -- Infants use their mouths to explore the world, which puts them at particular risk for choking on food or other small objects. And because young children may be unable to lift their heads or get out of tight places, they are also at increased risk of suffocation and strangulation.

Protect your child with these safety recommendations from St. Louis Children''s Hospital:

• Make sure your baby''s crib mattress is firm, flat, and meets national safety standards.
• Don''t put pillows, comforters, or soft toys in your infant''s crib.
• Don''t allow your kids to run, play, or walk with food in their mouths.
• Cut food into small pieces for young children and teach them to chew properly.
• Remove drawstrings from their clothing.
• Tie up or cut window blind and drapery cords.
• Make sure spaces between guardrails and bed frames are less than 3.5 inches.

-- Felicity Stone