July 26th, 2010 
Healthy Heddleston 
That’s the motto for the Safe Sizer Choking Prevention Plate created by David and Susan Zak of Midwest Monkeys.
Available in nature or animal patterns, the Safe Sizer Plate “helps reduce the risk of choking by measuring the maximum recommended bite size for children under 4 years old who are eating solid foods.” ~Midwest Monkeys
The plate comes in a package looking like this…
…with the back looking like this:
The back of the package provides information regarding how the Safe Sizer works; directions for use; did you know facts; and care instructions.
I loved the did you know facts…
- According to the CDC, about 75 children under the age of 14 die every year from choking on food, & 100 times that number are treated in emergency rooms.
- Children under 2 years old have the highest rate of food related choking deaths among children
- Children up to 4 years are the most vulnerable because they do not have a full set of teeth
…here is a close up of the Safe Sizer:
“The Safe Sizer is a 1/2 inch diameter ring that provides a visual reminder and measurement gauge for parents and caregivers to cut up hard foods within the recommended maximum bite size of 1/2 inch in any direction for children under 4 years who are eating solid foods.” ~Midwest Monkeys
So, what is a girl to do? Test it out!
And wow, 1/2 inch is much smaller than you actually think it is.
By using the Safe Sizer your child’s food will be on a fun plate, but most importantly will meet the recommendations provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Have you tried the Safe Sizer? Would you be likely to purchase something like this? What are your thoughts on this product?
Note: I know I have previously posted this, however, since choking prevention is a topic of importance I found it necessary to re-post since my readership has grown. Thanks and please leave a comment!!
Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post; Midwest Monkeys provided me with a sample of the Safe Sizer Choking Prevention Plate. The opinions I have expressed are solely my own; I was not required to post a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.
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I’m sure we’ll be holding onto this plate to use with our future children! It’s very handy for those of us who have not had an extensive dietary or maternal/child care education. I had no idea what the appropriate food size was for little ones. That is such a tiny esophagus! But with the safe sizer plate, we can be a little more assured that we are preventing choking hazards for our future little ones.
Now getting them to want to eat what’s on the plate is another story…
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this is BRILLIANT! I’ll be sure to remember this for when I have kids (or am thinking of good gifts for parents!)
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Oh that’s cute!! My bff is due with her first in December… I might have to get her one
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That’s such a great idea. I think those plates could make an awesome shower gift for first time mamas! Obviously it would be a while before they’d use them but I think they’d be extrememly helpful.
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