cutting grapes

[JessyG]

I do and will probably do it until she moves out, I only exaggerate a little!

They give me the fear.

 

[biglebowski]

I always cut grapes and cherry tomatoes. Lo turned 3 in December and Ill carry on doing it for a long time to come! We got a letter from his nursery a few months back saying the wouldnt give lo's uncut grapes or tomatoes due to choking hazard, so to ensure they were cut in their packed lunches.

 

[DragonflyWing]

I cut grapes for my 13 month old, but not for my 3 year olds. They have their full set of baby teeth and have no problem chewing a whole grape (although they do tend to eat them in bites rather than all at once). Anyone can choke on a grape, not just children. I always supervise their meals and I know how to perform the Heimlich on children, if it is ever necessary.

My 3 year olds freak out if I try to cut the grapes, anyway. They even want them still attached to the stem, so they can pick them off.

 

[c1403]

My eldest has had grapes whole and does ok but reading recent news reports I've told everyone to cut them even if she says its ok!

 

[yazzy]

I still cut grapes up for my 3.5 year old but I also let her practice eating whole one's when I am watching. She is reminded to bite twice so only small bits in her mouth. I just want to know that if at any time she is offered an Un cut grape she will know how to eat it properly.

 

[sequeena]

Thomas is almost 4.5 and I still cut them

 

[Rags]

I think it's very easy to become caught up with one type of food as being a choking hazard and then not worrying about others. Ds, now 5 & 1/2, has had whole grapes and tomatoes since about 3 1/2 on the undersranding that he's sitting down eating them and bites through them as soon as they go into his mouth. On the other hand a week ago he was standing next to me eating a tangerine when I realised he had a stressed look on his face and wasn't making a sound - including breathing sounds. I quickly turned him around put my hand on his front, lent him forward and gave him 3 firm back slaps and up came a large piece of chewed orange. I am so glad I was there and that I knew how to deal with it but it is a real reminder that anything that goes in the mouth is a hazard not only round items.

 

[LoraLoo]

SAtsumas and tangerines get cut up for my 2 yr old.

You're right though they can literally choke on anything, my Lo choked on a piece of toast the other day.

The difference with grapes is the shape, size, and the skin make it almost impossible to dislodge once it becomes stuck.

 

[mandimoo]

honestly....? i was expecting the weight of opinion to be saying "nah dont worry about cutting the grapes", i really thought i was being my usual neurotic self! I do nag her to "make sure you chew it properly first" but I think I go on too much, as she wont eat a dorito without asking me first! but you are all right, its so easy to just cut them.

 

[mammy2oaklen]

Still cut for my 5 year old he has also had it drilled into him sound he ever have a whole grape he must bite into it length ways. I don't intend on stopping any time soon

 

[babyjan]

Oh I will be cutting for as long as possible. Don't mean to scare but I saw a story recently of a 6 year old who choked on a grape and died

Like you said even an adult could choke on it so for me it's not worth the risk x

 

[cupcakekate]

I still cut them for my daughter who is 5 xx

 

[jensonsmummy]

My sons primary school cut them for all ages.

 

[SarahBear]

delete

 

[wannabemomy37]

I cut grapes for my 13 month old, but not for my 3 year olds. They have their full set of baby teeth and have no problem chewing a whole grape (although they do tend to eat them in bites rather than all at once). Anyone can choke on a grape, not just children. I always supervise their meals and I know how to perform the Heimlich on children, if it is ever necessary.

My 3 year olds freak out if I try to cut the grapes, anyway. They even want them still attached to the stem, so they can pick them off.

What many people fail to recognize, however, is that the Heimlich can NOT dislodge the shape of a whole grape, cherry tomato, sausage, hotdog, etc as it completely restricts the airway AND has skin that causes extra troubles trying to dislodge.

By cutting these items in half allows for room in the airway to then push the object up and out, as the Heimlich would do.

So, while it's great you're prepared for situations in which the Heimlich can help, it's not a save all method.

 

[Taurus8484]

Still cut grapes, sausage, cherry tomatoes and anything else that I consider I need to for DS1.

 

[Scally]

I stopped cutting for my two (3 and 6) but the recent news with the 2 year old and 6 year old choking and dying has scared me and I have started cutting them again. Didn't think about the sausages, will make sure I do them too x

 

[jd83]

I still cut grapes, cherry/grape tomatoes, and sausages/hot dogs. I don't care if anyone thinks I'm OTT for doing that. Better safe than sorry. I know my Dh thinks I'm nuts for cutting them for a 5 yr old, but as others on this thread have already mentioned, there have been recent deaths in 5-6 yr old kids from choking on grapes. American Pediatrics recommend cutting them until at least age 5. No harm in cutting them longer, obviously. It only takes a few seconds, so its not like its a massive hassle either.

 

[george83]

As many ppl have said I stopped cutting them but now cut everything that's been mentioned and my oldest is 4 1/2

 

[LaughOutLoud]

I also remove the cherry pips before giving to my 6 year old.