Nursery snack time

[Kemet]

Hi, my children are starting school nursery on Wednesday. At the home visit and on application form I stated that I don't want them to have hard fruit and veg such as apples, pears, carrot and celery, along with grapes and cherry tomatoes. I explained that I have no problem bringing in bananas, oranges, cucumber.

I received an email from the nursery teacher today stating that she understands me feeling anxious and my concerns but the best options going forward would be to ease them in by cutting their fruit into small pieces, ensure they are chewing properly and they stay seated with a first aid trained adult.

I don't want my children to have high risk choke foods such as apples and pears as of yet at nursery unless they were grated which we do at home. My child has had a choking incident with apple before and after doing research I'm now aware of high risk foods for under 5's.

I'm going to speak to the phase leader tomorrow to express I dont want my children to have these foods. Any advice would be grateful and where I stand i.e. can they withdraw their place if I stick to my wishes.

Thank you

Some years ago a CPR instructor was teaching about choking and mentioned the most common cause of food-related choking.

It was cheese on a pizza. That's about as soft as you can get.

I’ve properly choked twice. Both times as an adult in my late 30s. Second time I was on my own and it was fucking terrifying.

Both times on very soft bread and butter.

I will just reply back and thank her for the considerations and action suggested, along with slicing their fruit which I have concerns about thinly!!

Good response.

You might also want to think about how you teach your children to respond to risky situations.

If you avoid all situation that involve risk, your children will not learn to keep themselves safe. Part of your role is to teach your children to chew food, not keep it in their mouth for long periods and sit down to eat. That will keep them safer from choking in the long run than trying to stop them eating hard fruit and veg.

I'm not saying you are like this about all risks but, if you are, you might want to think about how they keep themselves safe in risky situations they haven't learned to manage.

Although I am sure your children will be fine, I can completely understand your concerns. A child choking is terrifying for a parent and I can absolutely see why you have an anxiety around this. Them eating these things (sliced up if you wish) at nursery might actually help you as you will be able to get used to the idea of them having these things, with nursery staff supervision without actually having to witness it yourself.

If it's any consolation, I managed about 4 days of baby let weaning when DS was a baby. I was so petrified of him choking that I ended up only being able to give him solids when either my husband was home (he is a qualified first aider and first aid instructor) or one of the two doctors who live next door were in

It was so bad that I reverted to 'traditional' weaning! It made no difference to DS at all and he is now 4 and eats anything and everything! I'm sure your children will also be fine no matter how you decide to give fruit etc.