Hi, new dads (and moms),
Let’s start with a truth none of us like to think about—saving a choking baby.
As a parent, I hope you’ll never find yourself in this kind of situation.
But knowing what to do in those critical moments could save your baby’s life or even another child someday.
This guide will walk you through essential first-aid steps for choking babies under the age of 1 and provide resources for older children as well.
How to Recognize if Your Baby is Choking
Here are some signs to watch for
- Baby is unable to cry, cough, or make noise.
- Difficulty breathing, with no air passing through.
- Lips or skin turning blue.
- Baby is clutching their throat or seems panicked.
For Babies Under 1: Baby First Aid and Infant CPR
Stay Calm
I know you are probably anxious, but panicking can make it harder to act.
Take a breath and focus.
Assess the Situation
If the baby is coughing or crying loudly, it means their airway isn’t fully blocked—encourage them to keep coughing.
If the baby is silent or struggling to breathe, you need to act fast.
Back Blows
Hold the baby face-down on your forearm, supporting their head.
Use the heel of your hand to give 5 firm back blows between their shoulder blades.
Chest Thrusts
If back blows don’t work, turn the baby face-up on your forearm.
Place two fingers on the center of their chest (just below the nipple line) and press inward and upward 5 times.
Repeat this cycle until the object is dislodged or help arrives.
Call for Help
If the baby doesn’t start breathing normally, call emergency services immediately and continue chest thrusts until they arrive.
For Babies Over 1 Year and Children
The techniques for older babies and children differ slightly, and it’s just as important to know them.
Here’s a quick guide to Choking First Aid for older children:
Encourage Coughing
If the child can cough, let them. Coughing is the body’s natural way of clearing the airway.
Perform the Heimlich Maneuver
Stand behind the child, wrap your arms around their waist, and make a ficanvat just above their belly button.
Use quick upward thrusts until the object is expelled.
Call Emergency Services
If they’re not breathing or the blockage isn’t cleared, call for help immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I give my baby water to dislodge the object?
A: No, never give water or any liquid to a choking baby—it could make things worse by blocking their airway further.
Q: What if I can’t dislodge the object?
A: Call emergency services immediately and continue back blows and chest thrusts until help arrives.
Q: Should I use my fingers to remove the object?
A: Only if you can clearly see the object right in front of the baby’s mouth. Blindly sticking your fingers in could push the object deeper.
Q: When should I take a first-aid course?
A: As soon as possible! First-aid courses specifically for parents are widely available and can make you feel much more prepared.
Final Thoughts
No one wants to imagine their baby in danger, but being prepared is part of being a parent.
Take some time to learn these steps and consider taking a certified first-aid course.
It’s the knowledge you hope you’ll never need—but it could make all the difference one day.