I Am a Paramedic and You Should NEVER Give Children Marshmallows, Here’s Why

Nikki Jurcutz is a mom and an ex-paramedic. She runs the child safety page called Tiny Hearts Education. Recently, Nikki posted the video that amassed over 3.5 million views, and grateful parents can’t thank her enough for shedding a light on why they shouldn’t give marshmallows to kids under 4.

A shocking video leaves many parents with a lot of thoughts.

Parents are being warned not to give little kids marshmallows, as this sweet may be a serious cause for choking.

Ex-paramedic Nikki Jurcutz has detailed that children under the age of 4 shouldn’t be given marshmallows at all.

She posted the clip on Instagram and TikTok to demonstrate how the gooey treats can quickly become lodged in a young kid’s throat. The video shows a plastic tube which demonstrates a windpipe.

Nikki uses a grape and puts it in the tube first which she then easily dislodges with a few smacks of her hand. This is the simulation of Heimlich Manoeuvre.

But when she puts the marshmallow in the tube, it immediately gets stuck. The sticky treat doesn’t move even when she smacks the tube hard more times than she did with the grape.

She explains, “This is why marshmallows are such a high-risk choking food and why I don’t give them to kids under four. Their round shape means they could completely block off the entire airway.”

Nikki gives a priceless piece of advice to all concerned parents.

Nikki continues, saying, “When they’re wet, they become sticky and more difficult to swallow, and are more difficult to clear from the airway.” There’re a couple of modifications parents can make to marshmallows to turn them in to a safer food. For example, people can cut them into smaller pieces or use mini marshmallows.

Parents reacted with shock and surprise after watching the viral video. Many of them didn’t even realize how dangerous marshmallows can be.

One user said, “I have witnessed a child (not mine) choking on a marshmallow and I will never forget the look of fear in his face as he was unable to breathe. Luckily with back blows it cleared, but they are a big no no for me!” Another user added, “I’ve witnessed this first hand as a mum turned her back to her toddler eating one, and he went down hill very fast.”

If you want to know more about safety tips for parents, you might also like this article, which explains why you shouldn’t wrap a towel over your kid’s shoulders. This lifesaving tip went viral and left many parents with the mixed sense of shock and gratitude.