Why are grapes so dangerous?

Doctors have issued a stark warning that young children can choke to death on whole grapes, describing three cases of children who needed emergency treatment:

A five-year-old boy choked while eating grapes at an after-school club. Despite first aid, the grape could not be dislodged and the child had a heart attack and died.
A 17-month-old boy choked while eating grapes with his family at home. Paramedics were called and the grape was eventually removed but the little boy still died.
A two-year-old choked while snacking on grapes in the park. He suffered two seizures and spent five days in intensive care before thankfully making a full recovery.

The doctors warn that food is responsible for over half of all fatal choking accidents, with grapes the third most common cause of death in food-related incidents.

Why are grapes so dangerous?

The size and shape of grapes means they can completely plug a child’s airway. And the tight seal produced by the grape’s smooth surface makes them difficult to dislodge with standard first aid techniques.

Young children are particularly vulnerable to choking on grapes because:

They don’t have a full set of teeth and are still learning to chew properly.
Their swallow reflex is still developing.
Their airway is very small.

It’s why we advise that grapes should be chopped in half lengthways and ideally in quarters.

Your help to raise awareness

Doctors are worried that a lack of awareness among parents, carers and professionals could be leaving young children at risk. Please can you share our practical safety tips.

Like CAPT on Facebook for tips and posts you can easily share with the families you work with.
Read and share this news report and our advice on choking prevention.
Give out our popular flyers Keep children safe from choking and Finger food without the fear. The flyers are perfect for weaning fayres and clinics, child health reviews, parent groups and home visits, providing practical reminders for busy parents. They cost just £7.45 plus P&P for 50 copies.

Latest

Are your used batteries really ‘flat’?

We may think ‘flat’ button batteries are harmless. But ‘flat’ lithium coin cell batteries can still hold enough power to cause serious damage if swallowed, even when they are too flat to work.
Mother’s plea after daughter dies swallowing button battery

The mother of two-year-old Harper-Lee Fanthorpe has issued a heartbroken plea to other parents, urging them to check their homes for button batteries.
Warning to parents after battery death of two-year-old

Staffordshire Safeguarding Children Board has issued a warning to parents after the death of a toddler who swallowed a button battery.
New safety standards for button batteries

A campaign to prevent children being killed and injured by button batteries has reached a significant milestone thanks to ground-breaking new safety standards.

Are your used batteries really ‘flat’?

We may think ‘flat’ button batteries are harmless. But ‘flat’ lithium coin cell batteries can still hold enough power to cause serious damage if swallowed, even when they are too flat to work.
Mother’s plea after daughter dies swallowing button battery

The mother of two-year-old Harper-Lee Fanthorpe has issued a heartbroken plea to other parents, urging them to check their homes for button batteries.
Warning to parents after battery death of two-year-old

Staffordshire Safeguarding Children Board has issued a warning to parents after the death of a toddler who swallowed a button battery.
Warning to parents on bath seats

Bath seats are not safety devices. They are not intended for babies to be left in, even for a moment, due to the risk of toppling forwards and causing drowning.
We are supporters of Safer Sleep Week 2021!

The Lullaby Trust’s national awareness campaign takes place 15th-21st March 2021 and the focus is on a safer sleep for every sleep.
Battery lodged in baby’s food pipe for four months

11-month-old Sofia-Grace was rejecting solid food because she had a button battery lodged in her throat for four months. The outcome could well have been catastrophic.
Button batteries

Button batteries, particularly big, powerful lithium coin cell batteries, can badly hurt or kill a small child if they swallow one and it gets stuck in their food pipe. Find out how to keep children safe.
Parents

Our Parents Pack is full of quick wins that can help put you in charge of child safety, even when you’re feeling under pressure. Download your copy here.
Watch out for dangerous toys this Christmas

The number of dangerous toys sold online to unsuspecting families is on the increase - so it’s good to be aware when buying presents this year. Find out how to spot if a toy could be unsafe.
Help alert families to dangerous toys sold online this Christmas

The number of dangerous toys for sale online is increasing. Help families learn about the dangers and keep dangerous toys out of their homes this Christmas.

Button batteries

Button batteries, particularly big, powerful lithium coin cell batteries, can badly hurt or kill a small child if they swallow one and it gets stuck in their food pipe. Find out how to keep children safe.
Why are grapes so dangerous?

Doctors have issued a stark warning that young children can choke to death on whole grapes.
Making sense of accidents

Many accidents are a part of growing up. Children need to explore and experiment. But some children suffer the pain of serious accidents that can alter the course of their lives forever. Most of these serious accidents are completely preventable by making simple solutions or changes to routines.
Choking

Each day around 40 under-5s are rushed to hospital after choking on something, or swallowing something dangerous. Be particularly aware of sweet items such as mini eggs around Easter time - these are exactly the same size as a toddler's airway.
About Child Safety Week

Find out more about our theme and how you can get involved, download our Information Pack and meet our official supporters.
Fact sheets

Bite-sized facts and safety tips on the main accident risks to children. Easy to read, use and share. Suitable for printing off, emailing, Whatsapp-ing or posting on social.
In-car safety

Most car accidents happen close to home. Child car seats can keep your child safe. But not every seat fits every car. And if a seat is fiddly to use, you may be tempted not bother with it on short journeys. Here are our top tips for choosing the best car seat for your child.
Falls

Falls are the most common cause of accidental injury to children. While most falls aren’t serious – active children often fall over – some falls can lead to death or long-term disability.
Burns and scalds

95% of all childhood burns and scalds happen at home. Most are caused in the day-to-day situations that many parents don’t anticipate, like children reaching for hot coffee or grabbing hair straighteners.
Parents

Our Parents Pack is full of quick wins that can help put you in charge of child safety, even when you’re feeling under pressure. Download your copy here.