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How to help a Choking infant - Baby First Aid





Having a child (at any age) is worrying and as a mum, it was always my worst nightmare - even as my eldest hit the teenage years, I am still cautious and and do embarrassing stuff like ... cutting grapes into quarters etc.

I've put together this guidance on how to help a choking infant (more to come for older children at a later date)


For more information on how to help your child in an emergency situation, you can sign up to one of our regulated courses or one of our parent awareness courses.



If an infant (under 1 year old) is choking and cannot cry, cough, or breathe, follow these steps immediately:

Step 1: Assess the Situation

  • If the infant is coughing or making sounds, encourage them to keep coughing to clear the airway.

  • If the infant is silent, has trouble breathing, or turns blue, act quickly.

Step 2: Deliver Back Blows

  1. Position the Infant

    • Hold the baby face down along your forearm, supporting their head and jaw with your hand.

    • Rest your forearm on your thigh for support, keeping the baby's head lower than their chest.

  2. Give 5 Back Blows

    • Using the heel of your hand, give 5 firm back blows between the infant’s shoulder blades.


Step 3: Perform Chest Thrusts

  1. Turn the Infant Over

    • If the object is not dislodged, turn the baby face up while supporting their head.

    • Lay the infant on a firm surface or along your forearm.

  2. Give 5 Chest Thrusts

    • Place two fingers in the center of the baby's chest (just below the nipple line).

    • Push down about 1.5 inches and release.

    • Repeat 5 quick chest thrusts.


    IF THIS HAS NOT DISLODGED THE OBSTRUCTION, CALL THE EMERGENCY SERVICES, PLACE YOUR PHONE ON LOUD SPEAKER AND CONTINUE


Step 4: Repeat Until the Object is Removed

  • Continue alternating 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts until the object is dislodged or the baby starts crying or breathing.


Step 5: If the Baby Becomes Unresponsive

  • Call 911 immediately.

  • Begin infant CPR:

    • Give 30 chest compressions (same technique as chest thrusts).

    • Open the airway and give 2 gentle breaths.

    • Continue CPR until help arrives or the baby starts breathing.

Important Notes

  • Do NOT put your fingers in the baby’s mouth unless you see the object and can remove it safely.

  • If the baby starts breathing but still seems in distress, seek medical help right away.


When administering the above, always get the infant checked by a medical professional

 
 
 

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