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Gagging and Choking in Small Babies: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Jan 17, 2025
What is Gagging?
Gagging occurs when a food particle or foreign object touches the back of a baby’s throat and triggers the baby to cough, cry, or become restless.
Signs of
Gagging:
- Coughing or crying
- Face turning red
- Watery eyes
- Restlessness
These symptoms tell us that the baby is fighting the foreign object and the baby will naturally expel the object by coughing, vomiting, or removing it from their mouth. If your baby is gagging, remain calm and allow them to resolve the issue on their own.
What is Choking?
Choking is a much more serious situation. It happens when a foreign object blocks the windpipe, either partially or completely, making it difficult or impossible for the baby to breathe. Unlike gagging, choking requires immediate medical attention.
Signs of Choking:
- Inability to cough, cry, or make any sounds
- Turning blue instead of red due to lack of oxygen
- Struggling to breathe
What to do if your baby
is choking?
If you suspect your baby is choking, it’s important to act quickly but carefully. You can follow the steps below at home before you reach the emergency services.
Step 1: Administer
Back Blows
- Hold your baby securely in your hands, ensuring their head and neck
are supported by one hand.
- Gently roll the baby face-down along your forearm, using your thigh
for support.
- With the heel of your palm, deliver five firm back blows between the baby’s shoulder blades.
Step 2: Perform Chest Thrusts
- Turn the baby over onto their back while supporting their head and
neck. Use your thigh for support again.
- With two fingers placed just below the nipples on the baby’s chest,
apply five gentle but firm chest thrusts.
- The goal is to create pressure in the chest and vibrations in the
windpipe, which can help push the object out of the windpipe or throat.
Step 3: Check the
Airway
If you are able to see the object, carefully remove it. Do not blindly insert your finger, as
this can push the object further into the airway, worsening the situation.
Understanding the difference between gagging and choking and knowing how
to respond can save your baby’s life.
Our 24/7 Consultant
Led Advanced Pediatric Emergency Services are always prepared to handle any
health emergency your child may face!
Dr. Pritesh Nagar
Pediatric Intensivist & Senior Pediatrician
Rainbow Children's Hospital Himayatnagar
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