A former paramedic has warned parents that many common treats eaten at Easter, including hot cross buns, could pose a serious threat to children. Here’s everything you need to know
Hot cross buns may be a firm fave during Easter – but they could pose a huge threat to children.
Around 20 million packs of hot cross buns are sold every year in the UK alone, as Brits mark the end of Lent with the delicious sweet treats. The bakery items have long been an Easter tradition, dating all the way back to 14th century. Their iconic iced cross symbolises the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, while some belive the spices used represent those used to embalm the religious figure after he was crucified.
However, experts have issued a safety warning to all parents about the beloved Easter treat – as well as other potentially dangerous goodies.
Nikki Jurcutz is a former paramedic and co-founder of Tiny Hearts Education – an organisation dedicated to ’empowering parents through education’ and ‘preparing them for the unexpected moments when their child needs them most’. Taking to Instagram, the expert warns certain goodies our little ones love to scoff down during this time of year may not be safe.
Nikki says that hot cross buns with sultanas can pose a ‘choking hazard’, adding: “Soft bread tends to soften and stick together forming a sticky clump,” which can get lodged in a child’s throat. She recommends parents opt for buns ‘without small dried fruits’ and make sure the bread is toasted to make it easier to chew.
The ex-paramedic also warns against Mini Easter Eggs as their small shape and size can ‘block airways’ and are ‘difficult to chew’. She argues larger hollow chocolate eggs are a better alternative as they can be ‘squished’ and broken into smaller pieces.
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Hollow bunnies are also a safe bet, as children can easily squish the chocolate and tear smaller sizes off. However, marshmallows and chocolate eggs with nuts should be avoided due to their choking hazard. Creme Eggs may be squishy and seem like a safe bet, but the expert warns their sticky inside may cause problems for little ones.
If you think your child is choking and cannot breathe properly, the NHS recommends three simple stages:
- Shout for help
- Get them out of their high chair
- Support their chest and chin with one hand. With the heel of your other hand, give five sharp blows between the shoulder blades.
You can find more resources on how to stop a child from choking here.
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