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What to Do if a Baby is Choking?

Published in Baby First Aid 3 mins read

If a baby is choking, you need to act quickly and decisively. Here's a breakdown of the steps to take based on first aid guidelines:

Immediate Actions for a Choking Baby

  • Assess the Situation: Determine if the baby is truly choking. Signs include:
    • Inability to cry, cough, or breathe
    • Turning blue
    • Gagging
    • Making high pitched noises
  • Call for help: If there is someone nearby, have them call for emergency services immediately.

Back Blows and Chest Thrusts

According to the YouTube video "What to do if Your Baby is Choking - First Aid Training," the correct procedure is a combination of back blows and chest thrusts.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Back Blows:

    • Hold the baby face down along your forearm, supporting their head and neck with your hand.
    • Position yourself with your forearm resting on your thigh or your lap.
    • Deliver up to five firm back blows between the baby’s shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.

  2. Chest Thrusts:

    • Turn the baby over, and support the head and neck again, with the baby facing up, across your arm.
    • Place two fingers in the center of the chest at the nipple line.
    • Give up to five chest thrusts, compressing the chest about 1.5 inches deep.

  3. Repeat: Continue alternating between five back blows and five chest thrusts until the object is dislodged, the baby begins to breathe or cries, or the baby becomes unresponsive.

Unresponsive Baby

  • CPR: If the baby becomes unresponsive at any time you will need to start CPR.
    • Place the baby on a firm, flat surface.
    • Start with 30 chest compressions, followed by two rescue breaths.
    • Continue CPR until help arrives.

Key Reminders

  • Always seek professional medical attention after a choking incident.
  • Practice these techniques with a first aid professional so you are prepared in an emergency.
  • Stay calm and act swiftly.
Step Action
Back Blows 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand while baby is facing down.
Chest Thrusts 5 chest thrusts using two fingers in the center of the chest, while baby is facing up.
Repeat Alternate between back blows and chest thrusts until the airway is clear, baby is breathing or cries or the baby is unresponsive.
Unresponsive Baby Begin CPR until help arrives.

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