15 July 2023 , 06:17
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An ex-paramedic mum has warned parents serving cucumbers to their kids they could be putting children at risk of choking.
Nikki Jurcutz said the fruit is a potential hazard for children if they are not prepared properly, as they can break into chunks when someone takes a bite. Although a 5cm portion is enough for one of your five a day, Nikki suggests finding something else for youngsters to munch on.
Her warning on TikTok has been viewed more than 1.7 million times, with many leaving comments of thanks for the warning.
She wrote on the video: “Cucumbers aren’t talked about much when it comes to choking, so I wanted to shed some light so you feel more prepared.”
The mum shared her tips to keep kids safe (TikTok)In captions on the video, Nikki wrote: “This is a high-risk choking food.
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“Why? They’re hard, they’re slippery, they can break off into chunks.
“Cut them like this to help reduce the risk of choking.”
Many parents rushed to thank the mum for her insights, with one sharing: “Omg I gave my 10-month-old cucumber sticks today.
“l didn’t even think that they were a choking hazard. I’m so glad I’ve seen this video now.”
Nikki shared her tips through the social media (TikTok)
Parents thanked the mum for her help (TikTok)Another parent said: “My son (11 months old at the time) choked on a piece of cucumber.
“It was the worst experience of my life.”
Another added: “No one talks about them but my baby has choked on them twice.
“It actually got worse when he got more teeth because he'd bite off chunks.”
Earlier this month Nikki Jurcutz warned about marshmallows, saying the chewy treats and should not be given to kids under the age of four.
She said they are difficult to swallow as they become more and more sticky, putting youngsters at risk of having their airways clogged.
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To illustrate the danger Nikki shared a video to her page, tinyheatseducation.
She wrote: “This is why marshmallows are such a high risk choking food. You can modify marshmallows to make them safer by cutting them into smaller pieces or swap out for mini marshmallows instead.
“Modifying foods is a great way to makes foods safer for your little one.”
In the video, she says: “Their round shape means they could completely block off the entire airway. When they’re wet they become sticky and more difficult to swallow and be more difficult to clear from airways.”