It is critical to understand the difference between gagging and choking, as both require different levels of intervention. Below, we’ll share some safety best practices and round up specific courses you can take to fully prepare.
Gagging vs. choking
It can be startling to see your baby gagging, but this is the body’s way of getting the food back out. Some gagging is normal and even expected to happen with both pureed and finger foods, but some gagging can lead to choking.
Gagging is noisy. Baby will be coughing, retching, or crying as the food makes its way out. Monitor closely but do not intervene - putting your fingers in their mouth can cause the food to lodge further down.
Choking is silent. Baby will not be able to cry or cough and may appear panicked. You must be familiar with infant choking management /infant CPR to be prepared to intervene appropriately.
As a refresher, here are the key steps to take when you suspect your baby is choking.
First, check for responsiveness to determine next steps
If baby is responsive and able to cough, cry, or make other noises, allow your baby to keep coughing it up. Do not put your fingers in their mouth or deliver back blows, as doing so could cause the food to lodge more.
If baby grows silent or begins gasping for air, call 911 and proceed to Infant CPR below.
If they are choking and CONSCIOUS: 5 back blows, 5 chest thrusts
Lay baby face down over your thigh.
Position their head lower than their chest.
Deliver five back blows with your free hand in between their shoulder blades.
Turn baby over on their back, head still lower than their torso, for five chest thrusts using two fingers over their breastbone area.
Repeat 5 back blows, 5 chest thrusts until the object is dislodged or until the baby grows unconscious.
If they are choking and UNCONSCIOUS: 30 chest compressions, 2 rescue breaths
Position your baby on their back on a firm surface. Shout for someone to call 911 or call 911 yourself.
Check their mouth in case the object is visible and reachable. Remove it if so, but do not put your fingers in their mouth for a blind sweep.
Use two fingers and press down about 1.5 inches just below baby’s nipple line. Deliver 30 chest compressions, allowing the chest to return to its normal position after each one.
Give two rescue breaths over their mouth and nose, looking to see their chest rise with each breath.
Repeat until help arrives or the object dislodges.
Here are a few options for Infant CPR courses and guides worth taking firsthand: