According to the National Safety Council, the leading cause of accidental deaths for infants under 1 year old, and the fourth most frequent cause of death for children 1 to 4 years old, is choking on things they try to swallow. This paper indicates the dimensions of the problem and lists foods involved in choking deaths of children. Methods of preventing the obstruction of the airway include: (1) selecting and preparing foods carefully; (2) positioning children with care at meals; (3) avoiding excitement and unnecessary movement at mealtimes; (4) avoiding overstuffing the mouth; (5) providing adequate fluids; (6) keeping adult foods safely away from children; (7) observing children carefully during and after meals; and (8) being prepared for emergencies. (RH)