Children under 5 years old are at the highest risk for an inhaled foreign body. Prevention of inhaled foreign bodies focuses on this age group.

Recommendations for choking prevention includes:

• Mealtime habits:
• Sit down while you eat.
• Eat slowly and chew food completely before swallowing.
• Cut up foods that are firm or round, which can get stuck in your child's airway
• Avoid foods that cause choking.
• Keep small objects away from your child that may cause choking during playtime:
• Any toy that is shorter than 2 1/4 inches long or can fit through a 1 1/4 inch circle is too small for a child under five years old
• Bean bag chairs often break or tear, exposing young children to small beans
• Check under furniture and between cushions for small objects that could cause choking
• Follow age recommendations on toy packages
• Latex balloons
• Teach older children to put away their toys, which often contain smaller parts
• Be aware that homes of others may not be child-proof.
• Parents and caretakers should learn CPR before it is needed.