How large should food pieces be for infants to prevent choking?

Food pieces for infants should be no larger than 1/2 inch to effectively prevent choking hazards. This size is deemed safe as it reduces the risk of a child accidentally inhaling or swallowing larger pieces that could obstruct their airways. Infants are still developing their oral motor skills and may not be able to chew or adequately manage larger food pieces. Therefore, cutting foods into small, manageable sizes is critical for ensuring their safety while eating.

In addition, it is important that caregivers remain vigilant and supervise infants during mealtime, as even appropriately sized food can pose a risk if not handled properly. Small pieces allow infants the opportunity to practice self-feeding while minimizing choking risks, promoting both safety and developmental skills such as fine motor coordination.