Hot Dogs. They seem to exist a staple at just well-nigh whatsoever summer barbecue. In fact, 150 meg hot dogs are consumed on the Fourth of July lone.

But did you know, they can exist ane of the well-nigh dangerous things to feed to children?

They are so dangerous, Doctors Are Actually Alert Parents About The Dangers Of Cut Hot Dogs Incorrect For Children and information technology is something worth knowing.

One of my biggest fears when it comes to my kids is having 1 of them choke. I've read too many horror stories regarding foods such every bit grapes getting lodged into a child'south airway and now, seems like I demand to worry more than about hot dogs too.

Dr. Tanya Altmann, Pediatrician and writer of "Infant & Toddler Basics", is using this time ahead of the 4th of July vacation to remind parents that hot dogs tin can be "serious choking hazards".

Now, yous might exist wondering what makes hot dogs and then dangerous and the answer is simple, the size, shape and texture of hot dogs make information technology easy for them to get stuck causing children to choke.

Hot dogs actually rank among the pinnacle of lists of foods to avert giving immature children. The American University of Pediatrics notes that hot dogs should be kept abroad from children younger than four years old.

"Hot dogs are long and round and when (young children) seize with teeth off a piece of it, information technology actually looks kind of like a thick quarter and that is the perfect size to become lodged into a child's pharynx," Altmann said.

If you practise intend to requite hot dogs to your small children, you demand to ensure they are properly cut then your child doesn't choke.

Cutting them into circles, is a big no-no. They should never be cut like this:

Hot dogs should never be cutting like this for children

What is the proper way to cutting hot dogs for children?

Hot dogs should be cutting lengthwise into strips first and then cut again into smaller pieces.

Hot dogs cutting lengthwise into strips

The same goes for other mutual choking hazards such every bit grapes, cherries and cherry tomatoes.

For older kids that want to be like the grown-ups and eat a hot dog while holding it, Altmann says parents could all the same cut the hot dog in half long-means before putting it in the bun to aid reduce the choking risk.

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Now, if you lot want to really be on the safety side, you lot tin get a Grape Cutter which you lot can use to cut pieces of hot dogs, grapes and even cherry tomatoes to the appropriate size for children.

The lesser line hither is, when in doubt, skip the food or cut into tiny pieces for children.

Brittanie Pyper loves her hot husband, her 2 sweet boys, new babe girl and crafting like a beast. Her recipes and crafts can exist constitute all over the internet because, well, she's awesome. Check out her personal site: Simplistically Living.