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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not cut grapes

272 replies

FreedomBird · 14/05/2020 07:39

I have a 3 and a 7 year old. And I no longer cut their grapes.

Me and DP had a massive barney about it last night and I’d like to know if I’m BU.

OP posts:
BeardedMum · 14/05/2020 08:26

I know an adult who choked to death on a grape so I always cut them even now mine are teens. They laugh of me but thats okay!

aliceinsunderland27 · 14/05/2020 08:27

My dc is 8 and I still do it. Probably totally unnecessary now but I'll probably do it until he's old enough to get his own bloody grapes! For the sake of a few seconds it's really not worth the risk. Read a few of the choking stories and you'll soon start doing it.

Bridecilla · 14/05/2020 08:27

Yabu and lazy.

TidyDancer · 14/05/2020 08:28

YABVU. Is this a reverse (I don't know why)? I can't believe anyone would think they were reasonable enough to post in this scenario.

FrankiesKnuckle · 14/05/2020 08:28

I'm a paramedic.
The last paediatric resus I had was a child (2.5) that had choked on a whole grape.
There were several factors to this job.
The child wasn't being effectively monitored whilst eating.
The caregivers took a few minutes to realise that the kid had stopped breathing.
No first aid was given.
Consequently, on arrival the child was dead, although a full and active resus was commenced.
The grape was visible and reached quite easily with a pair of small forceps that we carry.
Had the child received appropriate first aid like back slaps then it may have dislodged, giving them a small chance.

I compressed the child's chest. I could circle the chest with my hands.
I can still feel how it felt, iyswim.

Cut the bloody grapes.

BeingATwatItsABingThing · 14/05/2020 08:30

All of this is making me go back to cutting grapes for my 6yo.

Original poster
FreedomBird · 14/05/2020 08:31

Thank you MN. I will cut my grapes.

OP posts:
DobbyTheHouseElk · 14/05/2020 08:34

I cut grapes for my 8 year old. Some grapes are huge.

PumpkinP · 14/05/2020 08:36

I don’t know why you wouldn’t, I don’t buy mine grapes as I just don’t even think they are worth the risk, yes I know they can be cut but they are not that nice, so I don’t buy them.

SoloMummy · 14/05/2020 08:37

Either cut or don't serve grapes.

popgoesperfection · 14/05/2020 08:37

Yes absolutely would cut them!! Still half them for 5yo ds and evening quater them if it's a big grape, not worth the risk.

theseriousmoonlight · 14/05/2020 08:39

@FreedomBird I'm so glad you will. I'm going to continue cutting grapes until my dd leaves home because of this thread.

Bubblewings · 14/05/2020 08:39

What is your reasoning behind not cutting grapes for a 3 year old?

TheClitterati · 14/05/2020 08:40

I didn't cut grapes.
I taught Dc from young age to bite grapes when they ate them.

FamilyOfAliens · 14/05/2020 08:41

@FrankiesKnuckle

How absolutely heartbreaking Flowers

FamilyOfAliens · 14/05/2020 08:42

I taught Dc from young age to bite grapes when they ate them.

There’s always one.

MotheringShites · 14/05/2020 08:44

Great response OP.

I have to force myself not to cut grapes for my 11 year olds 😳

IThinkImBSCrazy · 14/05/2020 08:47

I don’t get this Op, a 2 second job that could save your child’s life. It’s incredibly dangerous. Even with skilled professionals, grapes are hard to remove when stuck.

My OH has just said he will give my 2 yo popcorn, I don’t think so!

MuddlingMackem · 14/05/2020 08:48

Can I also just remind you all to also cut hot dog slices in half to semi-circular pieces, as I was told by a friend who did a paediatric first aid course that slices of these are also just the right size to choke a child.

Until she told me this I would never have thought of it.

Coffeecak3 · 14/05/2020 08:48

@TheClitterati. It must be wonderful to have dc that always follow your every instruction. Meanwhile I will still cut grapes for my dgs.

Oysterbabe · 14/05/2020 08:49

I taught Dc from young age to bite grapes when they ate them.

Children who choke on grapes aren't trying to swallow them whole and the vast, vast majority of the time they will chew and swallow them with no issue. Sometimes when trying to bite them their teeth instead slide over the surface causing them to shoot into the back of their throat. I cannot think of a single reason not to cut them. The risk is small but so is the effort and the potential consequences are devastating.

JustAddCoffee91 · 14/05/2020 08:49

I'd just cut them just to be safe

MuddlingMackem · 14/05/2020 08:49

@MotheringShites Thu 14-May-20 08:44:37
Great response OP.

I have to force myself not to cut grapes for my 11 year olds 😳

Nah, better safe than sorry. My eldest isn't much of a grape eater but my youngest loves them, and I was still cutting them up for her until she was 12 if she was eating them away from home.. Grin

Emlou07 · 14/05/2020 08:52

If your child put a marbles in their mouth, or anything the equivalent size, you would remove it right? As it's a choking hazard?

Why on earth would you not cut the grapes?

Laziness could cost you your childs life.

I see that you are going to. Don't cut them in half. Slice them down from top to bottom and even again if there big.

JustAddCoffee91 · 14/05/2020 08:53

@FrankiesKnuckle that just made me well up, that is heartbreaking
Thankyou for everything that you do

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