Food guide
Hot Dog
Hot dogs are the single most common choking hazard in young children. A round slice of hot dog is almost exactly the shape and size of a small child's airway, and the smooth casing makes it slip. They are also very salty and highly processed. Best left until age 4, and even then always cut lengthways.
How to serve at this age
0-4 years: Not recommended. Offer shredded cooked chicken, turkey or soft meatballs instead. 4+ years: Quarter lengthways first, then cut into small pieces - never round coins. Remove the casing if it is tough.
Nutrition
Protein, but with a lot of salt, saturated fat and usually nitrates. Freshly cooked meat is a far better everyday source.
A note from the editors
If you do serve one, cut it lengthways into four long strips before chopping. Never slice a hot dog into rounds for a young child.
Good to know
Hot dogs are a leading cause of choking deaths in children and are best avoided until age 4. They are also high in salt and nitrates. Cold, unheated hot dogs carry a listeria risk too - always heat them until steaming.