Which of the following foods should be avoided to prevent choking in toddlers?

Grapes should be avoided to prevent choking in toddlers because they are small, round, and can easily become lodged in a child's airway. Toddlers, due to their developmental stage, often do not chew food thoroughly, making foods that are difficult to break down or that do not have a manageable size particularly hazardous. Grapes are a common choking hazard for this age group.

In contrast, the other food options listed are less likely to pose a choking risk. Mashed potatoes can be easily swallowed as they are soft and not a solid form that requires significant chewing. Bananas are also soft and can be cut into manageable pieces that are easy for toddlers to chew. Applesauce is pureed and thus does not present any choking risk. Therefore, when considering food safety for toddlers, avoiding grapes is essential to prevent choking incidents.