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.

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