Eating popcorn

[GingerPCatt]

Popcorn is one of my favorite snacks, but I've heard it's a choking risk for children. When would it be ok to give some to DS? DS is nearly 2 and rarely chokes or gags on food. I know there is always a small risk with choking no matter how old you are. I would love to have some popcorn, but whatever I eat DS wants a bit.

age 2 should be fine, I thought you were going to say he was a baby!

He'll be fine.

Thanks! He's my pfb so I'm never sure if I'm over protective or not protective enough.

I stil don't give my nearly 4 year old popcorn - think about one of those unpopped kernels - perfect size and shape to block their airway. I can't find a UK link but here is Baby Centre in the US saying avoid until over 5: www.babycenter.com/0_foods-that-can-be-unsafe-for-your-child_1491465.bc

My 2 youngest are 2 and 1 and love popcorn, I sift through it for unpopped kernels and obviously wouldn't leave them alone eating it.

Just shake the bag (if microwaving) or pan (if making yourself) so the unpopped kernels settle at the bottom. Then give him a small handful off the top. As long as you avoid giving the unpopped kernels I don't see how it could be a choking hazard as it literally just melts in your mouth.

DS has been having popcorn (home popped, no added flavours) since about 20 months, though I carefully shake the container and only take the top definitely-popped ones for him (I get to eat the stuff at the bottom which contains the denser unpopped or partially popped stuff).