How to stop your baby from choking

Choking and gagging

Gagging

• Gagging is a normal response that helps your baby protect themselves from choking.
• Gagging can include coughing, vomiting noises, and sometimes vomiting.
• Gagging can be caused by fingers, food, or a spoon touching the back of the mouth.
• The gag reflex becomes less when your baby is around 6 months old.
• Some children have a strong gag reflex and will gag more.
• Gagging is a common response when you start feeding your baby lumpy foods or finger foods.
• Letting babies feed themselves and put their hands or a baby spoon in their mouth can help them gag less.
• If your baby gags on food, stay calm. Take out the food and comfort your baby.

Choking

• Gagging is not the same as choking.
• Choking is silent and can be deadly
•  Choking happens when something blocks your baby's airway and they can not breathe. Choking needs instant/quick action.

Safety tips:

• Always watch your baby around food
• Put your baby in a high-chair with a harness/strap when you feed your baby food

Learn what to do if your baby starts choking by attending a baby first aid course.

Check out pictures showing what to do for Choking first aid for babies under 12 months on the right side of the page or by clicking this link.