Paramedic mum's warning about young kids and marshmallows

"While I personally love them, they are a big no-no for our little ones, and this video shows exactly why."

2 min read

July 11, 2023 - 11:10AM

Paramedic mum warns not to give young children marshmallows

Lifestyle

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Paramedic and mum-of-two Nikki, who runs Tiny Hearts Education, shared a clip to Instagram showing just how dangerous marshmallows can be for young children.

I think marshmallows are hands down, the most delicious, BEST treat in the world.

They can come in a variety of shapes, colours and sizes, but did you know you shouldn't give them to a child under the age of three?

Paramedic and mum-of-two, Nikki, who runs Tiny Hearts Education, shared a clip to Instagram providing a visual on just how dangerous a marshmallow can be for a small child.

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Nikki often shares safety tips on Instagram. Source: Instagram/tinyheartseducation.

Marshmallows pose a choking risk for small kids

"While I personally love marshmallows, they are a big no no for our little ones, and the above video shows exactly wh," Nikki wrote in her caption on Instagram.

She explained that a standard marshmallow is around the same size as the airway of a young child aged up to about three years old. And if the little blob of sugary, cloud-like goodness "can result in a complete obstruction and a choking emergency."

"When mixed with saliva, the marshmallow's consistency changes from soft and spongy to sticky," she continued, "which can be challenging for children to swallow properly. Think of it as trying to eat a heaped tablespoon of peanut butter - not fun."

Thankfully, many parents know that back blows can assist their child to dislodge an item in a choking emergency, however, in the case of marshmallows, this most likely not work.

"This texture also prevents back blows from being effective if a marshmallow was to become lodged a child's throat," Nikki said.

Nikki also pointed out that many food outlets serve marshmallows with babycinos, and she said they can be OK as long as you break them up into four pieces, as you would do with a grape.

A child's airway is about the same size as the marshmallow. Source: Instagram/tinyheartseducation.

An important warning for parents

While some may have heard of the risk of marshmallows already, not everyone was aware.

"Ooh I didn't even think of these," commented one person on Instagram, "I always worry about grapes."

Another added, "something I wouldn’t have thought about!"

"OMG I haven’t thought of this!" chimed in another. "I can barely take it off the people let alone rip them in quarters before he takes it! I all of a sudden love the tiny ones they do at some places!"

And this mama has the most suitable solution for everyone: "I love when they come with babycinos, I get to eat them."

What a great idea!