By now, you have most likely heard about the statement released by the American Academy of Pediatrics that lists the most dangerous “kid friendly” foods. It comes as no surprise, that the most dangerous food is hot dogs. I mean is there any parent out there who didn’t know that hot dogs (that are in bitten or cut into the circular shape) pose a huge choking risk?

The AAP also calls for more stringent labeling of those foods, and there has been a flurry of internet activity talking about redesigning the hotdog.

So, how do you feel about this? Should food be labeled dangerous for little ones? How about that hot dog redesign?

I know I didn’t let my kids eat grapes at all for the longest time-when I finally deemed them ready for grapes and I cut them up and I did the same with the hot dogs.

I just cut the hot dogs length wise and then into half moons, I served the cut up hot dogs with cheese cubes, fruit and pretzel sticks. The kids loved stabbing all the food with the pretzel sticks.

I even cut the hot dog lengthwise before putting it on a bun (although my kids usually ditched the bun anyway).

One thing I can’t recommend enough is taking an infant/children’s CPR & First Aid class. All mothers get nervous during pregnancy about their ability to care for their baby, I was no exception and when I learned I was having twins I got twice as nervous.

I decided that I would be much more comfortable caring for two babies if I knew CPR and first aid.

Since, helping an infant or small child that is choking is a lot different from helping an adult, taking a class geared specifically for children is a great way to make sure that you are prepared in the awful event your child (or someone else’s) begins to choke.