An 11-month-old boy died after a piece of a balloon animal became lodged in his throat at a Halloween-season event in Kenosha, Wisconsin. His mother has since warned other parents about the choking hazards balloons pose to young children.

Don'Vyaire Avita-Mays, known to his family as Baby Don, died on 24 October, two days before his first birthday, his mother told NBC Chicago.

The death has renewed attention on longstanding safety warnings about balloons, which can pose choking and suffocation hazards to young children. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises adults to keep uninflated balloons and broken fragments away from children.

What Happened at the Kenosha Event

Kisha Avita-Wilson said she was attending a trunk-or-treat gathering with her family on 24 October. Her older children received balloon animals, and relatives were trying to keep them away from the baby. One balloon came undone, however, and Don'Vyaire grabbed it and bit into it, she said.

Avita-Wilson told reporters that the tied end of the balloon became lodged in her son's throat. She immediately lifted him from his car seat and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), while another person also tried to help. The child turned blue and went into cardiac arrest, according to her account.

The mother said emergency responders attempted to help her son using a tube and pliers, but they were unable to save him.

Read more

Why Balloon Choking Hazards Are So Serious

The CPSC warns that children can inhale broken balloon pieces while chewing or playing with them. Balloon material can conform to the throat and lungs, potentially blocking breathing. The agency advises parents to keep uninflated balloons away from children under eight unless supervised by an adult and to immediately collect and dispose of broken fragments.

The warning applies to all latex balloons, not just balloon animals. Both uninflated balloons and broken fragments can be inhaled, potentially blocking a child's airway.

Mother Calls for Stronger Warnings

Avita-Wilson said her family had tried to keep the balloons away from Don'Vyaire, but one came undone. 'Balloons have warnings on them, but that is not enough,' she told NBC Chicago, calling for an end to their sale, production and marketing to children.

Avita-Wilson was 30 weeks pregnant and remained hospitalised after experiencing early contractions following the loss of her son, NBC Chicago reported. A fundraiser was also established to help cover memorial expenses.

For parents and organisers of children's events, the incident highlights the importance of keeping damaged balloons and loose fragments away from infants and young children.

Read more