How can choking in children be prevented during mealtime?

Supervision of children while they are eating is crucial to preventing choking. When children are monitored, caregivers can immediately respond to any signs of distress, such as coughing or gagging, and assist them if they begin to choke. This close observation allows for the quick identification of any hazards related to the child’s eating environment or behavior, promoting safer eating practices.

Other methods, like allowing children to eat while walking or letting infants play with small objects, can increase the risk of choking rather than decrease it. Propping bottles on a rolled towel may also compromise safety, as it can lead to awkward positioning and lessen the caregiver's ability to supervise effectively. Thus, the act of supervising children during mealtime stands out as the most effective and responsible way to prevent choking incidents.