Parents warned not to give popular festive treat to children amid choking risk

Most people are aware of the dangers posed by giving lollipops to young children, but there's a popular festive treat that can prove just as harmful.

With hot chocolates on the go and firepits for toasting on, marshmallows are commonly dished out at this time of year. But parents and carers are being warned to avoid giving them to younger children because of the choking risk they pose.

In a post on Facebook, KeepaBeat First Aid UK has issued a warning, which has been shared thousands of times in the last week.

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It says: "It's getting snowy and cold and the season for snuggling up with a hot chocolate covered in gooey mini marshmallows, but did you know.... marshmallows are a hazardous treat for young children

"Why? They can be easily sucked into the airway if the child laughs or talks whilst in the mouth as they are so light and airy.

"When they become wet they expand and become sticky - if they become lodged in the airway they may become difficult to get out. Ideally stay away from marshmallows until your child is older."

The post adds that there are downloadable posters on its website with the choking manoeuvres on and it hosts regular face to face and online sessions for people to learn them.

KeepaBeat was designed and developed by First Aid expert Sam Mackay and aims to teach basic lifesavings skills to everyone who needs them.