Whether for movie nights or when you?re on the go, popcorn is a delicious snack. But you may have heard that eating popcorn can be dangerous for little kids. Can toddlers eat popcorn" We talked to two experts to get all the information.
Can toddlers eat popcorn"
While there are so many different types of snacks that toddlers can eat, popcorn is a big no, says Dr. Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, FAAP. ?I don't ever recommend popcorn for toddlers. A major choking hazard, popcorn can easily become stuck in a young person's airway because of its size and shape.?
Along with raw vegetables, popcorn is one of many choking hazards for babies. ?Around age four, their risk of choking is reduced because their airways are more developed. But you should also make sure your little one has developed sufficient chewing skills to handle solid foods like popcorn,? explains Chanel Kenner, RD.
What foods should toddlers avoid"
A toddler's diet should consist of soft foods that are easily mashable, according to Dr. Casarees. ?Toddlers should avoid all small, round pieces of food that can get stuck in the airway or be aspirated.? Examples of this include nuts, popcorn, whole grapes, and hot dogs.
However, just because a food is mushy doesn?t mean it's safe. For example, while some types of fish are mushy, they aren?t an ideal part of a toddler?s diet. ?Large fish like shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish can contain high levels of mercury and should be limited,? says Kenner.
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