Kinder Surprise toys are perhaps one of the most popular treats for kids today, and chances are you have seen them around, whether you’re a child or a parent. These toys are simple enough in in theory: they are chocolate eggs inside which a plastic-encased toy is hidden.
However, a recent report from Toulouse, France reveals that the Ferrero Group, which manufactures these treats, is in hot waters following the death of a three-year-old girl after she choked on a Kinder Surprise toy.
It is believed that the toddler put the toy in her mouth and accidentally lodged the toy, having described as having wheels, in her airways. Her grandfather was able to attend to her and extract the object.
Unfortunately, the girl fell into a coma and died following mechanical asphyxiation, the doctors revealed.
Although the treats’ labels warn that they are not for kids aged three and below, many parents remain unaware of the fact and end up offering them to their children anyway. In fact, these toys are illegal in the United States because of the country’s strict laws on sweets with hidden toys.
As parents, we have to remind ourselves time and again to monitor what our children put into their mouths, and more importantly what they ingest.
Here are some tips from the British Red Cross on how to attend to a choking kid should you find yourself such a situation:
- Give up to five back blows. Hit them firmly on their back between the shoulder blades. If back blows do not dislodge the object: This creates a strong vibration and pressure in the airway, which is often enough to dislodge the blockage
- Give up to five abdominal thrusts. Hold the child around the waist and pull upwards and inwards above their belly button: Abdominal thrusts squeeze the air out of the lungs and may dislodge the blockage
- If abdominal thrusts do not dislodge the object, repeat steps one and two
- Call emergency hotlines if the object has not dislodged after three cycles of back blows and abdominal thrusts
Here are some important hotlines to keep in mind, parents:
Emergency services
911
Police
999
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