I’m a Paediatric nurse and here are 5 things I'd never pack in a child's lunch box

If your child is taking a lunch box like this to school, you might want to revisit things. 

Ah, lunch boxes! They can sometimes require work, juggling your little one's preferences as well as their nutritional needs - but what about their safety?

To help you navigate what will keep them full, happy and out of the emergency room, here are my top five items to AVOID including in your child's school lunch box.

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Do you see something wrong with the contents of this lunch box? Image: iStock

Popcorn

Although it's a beloved snack for movie nights (and school), popcorn can pose a significant choking risk for young children, particularly those under the age of 4. Instead, opt for alternatives like cheese crackers, pretzel sticks, rice cakes or corn cakes.

Whole Grapes

While grapes are a convenient snack, serving them whole increases the risk of choking, especially for toddlers and preschoolers who may not have fully developed chewing abilities. It's best to slice grapes into smaller, more manageable pieces before packing them in your child's lunchbox - lengthwise and into quarters - NOT halves.

RELATED: Toddler left quadriplegic after choking on lollies

Whole Cherry Tomatoes

Similar to grapes, cherry tomatoes are small and round, making them a choking hazard for young children. To help mitigate this risk, slice them into quarters to reduce their size and make them safer for little eating!

Sausages

While sausages (and similar snacks like cabanossi and frankfurts) are a great way to use up leftovers, serving them whole (or sliced into circles)  increases the risk of choking, especially if they're large or have tough casings. If you include these in your child's lunchbox, ensure they are chopped up into sticks.

RELATED: There are 5 different types of lunch box mums

Avoid including whole and round snacks - like grapes and cherry tomatoes. Image: iStock

Nuts

Nuts are a common allergen and pose a choking hazard when served whole, especially for younger children who may not have the ability to chew them thoroughly. Additionally, for children with nut allergies, even traces of nuts can trigger severe allergic reactions. It's best to avoid packing nuts in your child's lunchbox altogether (please check your child’s school policy) and opt for safer alternatives like nut-free granola bars.

Seasonal treats

Solid Small Easter Eggs - With Easter around the corner, it's essential to be mindful of the hazards associated with solid small Easter eggs. These treats, while delicious, can pose a choking risk, particularly for young children who may not understand the importance of chewing thoroughly. If you include Easter treats in your child's lunchbox (or need to donate choccy eggs for school activities and the like) opt for larger, hollow eggs!

Know how to respond in an emergency involving your little one. Book a baby + child CPR & First Aid class today.

Sarah Hunstead is a Paediatric Nurse and founder of CPR Kids. She is also the author of  ‘A Life. A Finger. A Pea Up a Nose’ CPR Kids essential First Aid Guide for Babies and Children.

Originally published as I’m a Paediatric nurse and here are 5 things I'd never pack in a child's lunch box