Baby Safety Basics

Choking

Disaster waiting to happen:

Your baby needs a snack, so you toss a handful of grapes onto his high-chair tray. What could be healthier than fruit?

Playing it safe:

Never serve your baby small, round foods, such as grapes, hot dogs, hard candies, nuts, carrots, raisins, or popcorn -- they can block his windpipe and choke him. Likewise, keep him away from bite-size objects and toys with small parts. Be careful around balloons, and clear away the remains of any that have popped.