Terrifying video reveals why you must never give your child marshmallows

She said: "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.

"When they're wet, they become sticky and more difficult to swallow, and are more difficult to clear from the airway."

Nikki, from Australia, then shows what happens when a grape gets stuck in a child's airway versus a marshmallow.

The small round fruit is easily dislodged with several back blows, but the sugary confectionery stays put.

If this was a toddler, they could then fall unconscious.

To make marshmallows safer for youngsters, Nikki suggested several modifications.

"Try cutting them into smaller pieces or swapping them out for mini marshmallows instead," she said.

"Modifying foods is a great way to make foods safer for your little one."

Parents flooded the comments section with praise for the potentially life-saving advice.

One mum wrote: "I feel like so many people don't know this. Great to inform and share."

A second replied: "I've witnessed this first-hand as a mum.

"I turned my back on my toddler eating one and he went downhill very fast.

"I had to act quickly. He was OK."

While a third said: "I have witnessed a child 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."

But many questioned why coffee shops serve every babyccino - frothy warm milk with cocoa powder - with a marshmallow.

One said: "Why do they put them on babyccinos then?"

Another responded: "It kills me that every cafe gives me one with a babyccino.

"There are so many better options."