Mini Eggs Choking Hazard: Mum Warns Parents After Daughter Died | HuffPost Life

The product is not suitable for children under 4.

By

Life editor at HuffPost UK

|

A mum has shared a warning to other parents about Cadbury mini eggs after her five-year-old daughter died from choking on some.

The anonymous mother shared her story on parenting site Mums Advice telling parents to “take note”. She argued that many may have seen warnings about cutting up grapes before giving them to kids, but not everyone is aware of doing the same with these chocolate treats.

“With Easter coming up I want to warn you all about another deadly choking hazard, one that tragically took away my child,” she wrote on 28 February. “It has been just short of three years since my precious little girl, Sophie, passed away after choking on a mini egg and I was unable to dislodge it, even with back slaps and pushing up and under her ribs.”

Getty/GeorgieGillard

The mother explained she had done a first aid course six months prior to this event, so all the techniques to help a choking child were “fresh” in her mind.

“It didn’t help,” she wrote. “I watched the light slip away from my babies eyes, I tried in vain to save her.”

She warned parents to keep a close eye on their kids enjoying the treats, to either cut them up, remind them to sit down or avoid eating them altogether.

Commenting on the post, one mum wrote: “My twin girls are 14 now, when they were five one of them choked on a mini egg and for years after I could not let her have them. When I finally did they were cut in half and closely supervised.”

Another wrote: “This happened to my son at around four years old. Fortunately I managed to get it out with the Heimlich manoeuvre as the back slapping wasn’t working.”

A Cadbury’s spokesperson told HuffPost UK: “We were saddened by this tragic event as the safety of our customers is of the upmost importance to us.

“We ensure that all of our Cadbury Mini Eggs packaging very clearly carries the following warning: Choking Hazard: This product is not suitable for children under four.”

How to help a choking child:
If you can see the object, try to remove it. Don’t poke blindly or repeatedly with your fingers. You could make things worse by pushing the object further in and making it harder to remove.
If your child is coughing loudly, there’s no need to do anything. Encourage them to carry on coughing and don’t leave them.
If your child’s coughing is not effective (it’s silent or they can’t breathe in properly), shout for help immediately and decide whether they’re still conscious.
If your child is still conscious, but they’re either not coughing or their coughing is not effective, use back blows.
For more information, visit the NHS Choices website.

Before You Go

Pregnancy worries and words of comfort

I have no morning sickness! Is that bad news?(01 of10)

You might have read things about how morning sickness signifies a healthy level of pregnancy hormones – but not having morning sickness does not mean you're lacking! Although many women suffer with it (and 'suffer' really is the word), many other women do not. Some women have it one pregnancy, but not in another. Attend all your usual checks and count yourself as one of the lucky ones! (credit:Alamy )

I drank before I knew I was pregnant, I might have harmed the baby(02 of10)

This happens to many, many expectant mums, and it's unlikely to be a cause for concern at all. Mention it to your GP/midwife, and just keep off the booze now, until you can enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz when your bundle arrives. (credit:Alamy )

I'll lose the baby(03 of10)

It's estimated about one in five pregnancies ends in early miscarriage, and it's thought most of those occur simply because the foetus wasn't developing properly. It does happen, but don't let it rule your thoughts because the vast majority of pregnancies do succeed. Try not to worry and remember that once you're into the second trimester, the chances of miscarriage is dramatically reduced. (credit:Alamy )

My baby might not be 'perfect'(04 of10)

It's estimated that one in 16 babies in the UK is born with a birth defect – but this figure refers to all birth defects, and many are mild and can be treated. So it's likely your baby won't have a birth defect, and even if they do, they will be perfect in their own way – remember support is available for every eventuality. Take your folic acid and attend your antenatal screening appointments. (credit:Alamy )

I won't make it to the hospital on time(05 of10)

You might have read terrifying stories about pregnant women giving birth in car parks and taxis – but these stories make it to the news because they are extraordinary, in the literal sense of the word! It very rarely happens, and most women get plenty of warning that labour is beginning. So plan well, and all is very likely to be fine. (credit:Alamy )

I might have to have a c-section(06 of10)

If you do end up needing a c-section, you might feel disappointed – but believe us, in the moment the only thing you'll really care about is the safe delivery of your baby. It won't be the end of the world and you won't care a jot when your baby is in your arms. (credit:Alamy )

I won't be able to cope during labour(07 of10)

There is just no telling how labour will be for you, so don't worry about it now. Make your birth plan, discuss it with your partner and midwife, and go with the flow on the day (it's okay to change your mind!). There will be lots and lots of help and support at your disposal. Not to mention drugs, should you need them. (credit:Alamy )

Labour will humiliating (will I poo on the bed?!)(08 of10)

You've heard about that then? It can happen, but the doctors and midwives have seen it all – they have experienced every possible scenario. They won't be worrying about things like that, so neither should you. (credit:Alamy )

I don't know how to be a mum(09 of10)

No-one does until they become one! Every new mum feels like they're winging it in the early days. As your baby grows and you get to know them, you'll learn. Trust in the fact that just about every mother has gone through it… and survived. (credit:Alamy )

I'm worried about gaining all that weight(10 of10)

You will put on weight, yes – but it's normal and nothing to be afraid of! Much weight gain is actually down to the baby, the placenta, extra blood in your system and the retention of water. Pregnancy changes your body in myriad ways – just enjoy it, and let your body just do its thing at this special time. Remember, there's no need to 'eat for two'… but eat what you need and don't count calories. (credit:Alamy )

Suggest a correction

|