Post by @mamaot_shannon

🎃 As a pediatric OT and feeding therapist, here’s what I want parents to know before digging into that trick-or-treat bag: 🍬 Biggest choking hazards: Hard candies, gummies, caramels, taffy, and other sticky, chewy, or hard candies can be especially risky for babies and toddlers. This includes skittles, m&m’s, sour patch kids, marshmallows, and more!! 🍫 A better candy option: Flat pieces of chocolate without nuts, hard add ins, or other choking hazards are generally a safer choice for toddlers who are developmentally ready for them. Always supervise eating! 🍌 Lower-sugar treats: Halloween can be fun without every treat being candy! Try applesauce pouches, soft fruit, yogurt melts for babies who are ready, or other age-appropriate snacks. ⚠️ Remember: Children under 4 are at increased risk of choking, and no candy is completely risk-free. Also, the recommendation is to avoid added sugars for babies under 2 years and limit it for kids 2+. 📌 SAVE this guide for Halloween night and SEND it to a parent of a baby or toddler! #ToddlerFeeding #BabyLedWeaning #ChokingPrevention #PediatricOT #HalloweenWithKids halloween candy safety, toddler choking hazards, baby safe Halloween treats, candy for toddlers, feeding therapist tips, baby led weaning, toddler nutrition, Halloween food safety