Did You Know?!
The majority of deaths from choking and suffocation occur in the first year of life.[Ref:43]
Hot Dogs
Foreign Body
Hot dogs (like grapes and gel candies) can get stuck “like a cork” between the vocal cords and cause complete airway obstruction. In this situation, the Heimlich maneuver may be a life-saver.
Until children are at least 5 years old (and can swallow small pieces of roasted meat without choking), please cut hot dogs lengthwise twice; then chop into small pieces.
The hot dogs pieces in the last image (below) would be safer if cut again.
When uncut hot dogs are eventually served (to older children), please stress the importance of sitting down and chewing properly (without talking), before each swallow.