What type of food is considered a choking hazard for young children?

Whole grapes are considered a choking hazard for young children for several reasons. Grapes are small, round, and slippery, making them easy for a child to accidentally inhale rather than chew and swallow properly. Their shape can cause them to block a child's airway if they are not cut into smaller, appropriate pieces.

In contrast, foods such as toast, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes are either easier to chew or can be prepared in a way that reduces the risk of choking. For instance, toast can be cut into small, manageable pieces, while scrambled eggs and mashed potatoes are soft and can be easily swallowed without posing a significant risk. Thus, it is crucial to be cautious with foods that can easily obstruct a child's airway, particularly those that are round and firm like whole grapes.