Which toy characteristic is a choking hazard for children under 3?

• A. Balloon
• B. Soft plush toy
• C. Large wooden block
• D. Crayon set

Answer: (A)

When thinking about choking hazards for children under 3, objects that can easily block the airway are the biggest risk. Balloons are especially dangerous because they can completely block a child’s airway if a piece is swallowed or if an inflated balloon is accidentally inhaled. They’re soft and flexible and can slip into the mouth and throat quickly, and even fragments from a burst balloon can pose a choking risk. In contrast, a soft plush toy is unlikely to be swallowed whole and is less likely to block the airway, a large wooden block is typically too large to pass into the throat, and a crayon set, while it can present small-piece hazards if broken, doesn’t pose the same immediate airway-blocking risk as a balloon. Keeping balloons away from children under 3 and supervising play helps prevent choking incidents.