Published
Do you have or care for children under 3 years old? Get the ACCC's free do-it-yourself Choke Check tool to help you identify toys and other objects that can pose choking or ingestion hazards.
How do I get one?
Open the PDF file: Choke Check PDF file (you can also find this in the Publications section of this website).
How do you make the Choke Check tool?
To make the Choke Check you'll need:
- a printer (black and white is fine) with A4 paper
- a pair of scissors
- some sticky tape.
Follow the instructions in the PDF file on how to make and use the Choke Check. You can also watch the short but helpful video below for steps on making one.
Video: How to make the Choke Check tool
What does it do?
You may be surprised at what common household items children could choke on. Things like buttons, keys, coins and hair ties are all a risk. But there are also many more.
This is where the Choke Check can help. Follow the instructions in the file to create your own Choke Check cylinder. Anything that fits totally inside the top end of the Choke Check cylinder could become lodged in a child’s throat and choke them.
Why check for choking hazards?
As a natural part of their development, babies and young children often place items in their mouths and can easily choke or suffocate if a small object gets stuck in their throat. This is because they have underdeveloped coughing reflexes. If small objects are swallowed, they could cause internal blockages. Some small items, such as lithium button batteries and magnets, can cause serious internal injuries and even death if swallowed.
More information on choking hazards, other home hazards and the safety of over 30 different infant and nursery products is available in the ACCC's free Keeping baby safe guide.
Why is it shaped that way?
The Choke Check cylinder is similar in design to test devices used by professional safety testing companies. It mimics the size and shape of a child’s throat up to age 36 months (including the special oval-shaped tab that replicates the base of a child’s throat). It shows how easily an object can get stuck in an airway and block it.
The Choke Check is intended only as a guide for consumers and should not be relied on to check for compliance with standards and the law.