You do not stop a choking baby from breathing. The goal is to help the baby breathe. The question is inherently flawed; the action described is the opposite of the desired outcome. Instead, you should take immediate steps to clear the airway obstruction.
Steps to Take if a Baby is Choking:
- Check for responsiveness: Gently tap the baby's feet and see if they respond.
- If the baby is unresponsive, call emergency services immediately. Dial 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately after beginning CPR. This is critical.
- Give back blows: Hold the baby face down along your forearm, supporting the baby's jaw and head. Give five firm back blows between the baby's shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.
- Give chest thrusts: Turn the baby face up and place two fingers in the center of the baby's chest, just below the nipple line. Give five quick chest thrusts, compressing the chest about 1.5 inches.
- Repeat: Continue alternating between back blows and chest thrusts until the object is expelled or the baby starts breathing or becomes unresponsive.
- CPR and Emergency Services: If the child becomes unresponsive, stops breathing, or turns blue: Shout for help. Give infant CPR. Call 911 or the local emergency number after 1 minute of CPR.
Important Note: These steps are for babies who are conscious but choking. If the baby is unresponsive, begin CPR immediately after calling emergency services. Time is critical in these situations. Knowing how to perform infant CPR is crucial and should be learned through a certified CPR course.
