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Sharing this guide with families

Families are the experts on their children, and most are already thinking about safety at mealtimes. Here are a few ways to make that connection feel supportive.

🤝 Start from a shared goal
You and families both want mealtimes to be safe and enjoyable. Present the guide as "what we do at our program" and invite families to use it at home if it's helpful.

📅 Share it with everyone, early
Include the guide in welcome packets, newsletters, or a family event so it reaches all families at once. That way it never feels like a response to one child's lunch.

🌍 Get curious about family food traditions
Ask how foods are served at home and what children enjoy. Many favourite foods can be prepared in ways that lower choking risk, and families often have creative ideas you can learn from.

Ready-to-use messages

💌 For a quick one-on-one follow-up

Example of how to share home.

Hi [Name], [Child] really enjoyed their [food] today! We cut grapes into quarters for all the kids at lunch to lower choking risk. Here's the guide we use in case it's handy at home: [link]. Happy to chat anytime!

📰 For a newsletter or welcome package

Copy and paste, then add your details.

Hi families,
At [Program name], we prepare foods in ways that lower choking risk, since young children are still learning to chew and swallow. We thought you might find the guide we use helpful at home too. It includes photos showing how to prepare everyday foods like grapes, carrots, and apples: [link]
We'd love to hear about the foods your family enjoys together, and we're always happy to chat about mealtimes.
[Your name]

How this resource can help

🔍Why you’ll want this guide

Whether you're feeding toddlers in child care, prepping snacks in a preschool classroom, or making lunch at home, choking prevention matters.

 

🍽️ Safer mealtime environments

The guide includes simple strategies that make a big difference in reducing choking risk, such as supervising children while they eat and ensuring they are seated upright with their feet supported, along with other helpful tips.

 

📸 Visual prep guide

See exactly how to prepare foods like:

  • Grapes, carrots, apples, and celery
  • Chewy meats, leafy greens, dried fruit
  • Nut butters and soft baked goods

 

👩‍⚕️‍⚕️ Backed by experts

Created by Registered Dietitians at Teach Nutrition and reviewed by pediatric experts, this guide is practical, up to date, and developed with real early years settings and caregivers in mind.

 

ℹ️ Reminder

This guide is intended as a starting point, and the food examples provided are not exhaustive. Some children may be ready for certain foods earlier than the suggested age or without extra preparation, while others may need more time.

 

Want to make meal and snack time safer? Start today.

👉 Download the full guide now.

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