Infant Choking

In my last support group meeting we discussed infant choking. A RN gave us some great handouts and went over what to do if your child is ever choking. I thought it would be a great idea to share what I learned. Please note that this is just a basic overview. The nurse recommended that everyone take the child safety course at our local hospital. Never give your infant raisins, popcorn, nuts of any kind, or candy. Cut all foods smaller than your pinky finger nail especially hot dogs, grapes, meats, and carrots. Anything that can fit through a toilet paper tub is a choking hazard. Some common choking hazards are pen caps, balloons (inflated or not), coins, safety pins, gum, nails, and rings.

Choking Infant Rescue - For Infants under 1 year
If your baby is unable to cough or cry, is making a high-pitched gasping noise, or their face/lips are turning blue or bright red they might be choking. If your baby is coughing or gagging let him cough. Do not pat the baby on the back, this could lodge the object further down the airway.

If your baby is choking
1. If someone is with you have them call 911. If you are alone begin rescue attempts, don't call 911 first.
2. Place infant face down on your thigh. Be sure his head is lower than the rest of his body. Give 5 back blows. These are given between the infant's shoulder blades by using the heel of your hand. Be sure to support his head so it is not being shaken.
3. Carefully supporting the infant, turn him over so he is facing up. Be sure his head is still lower than the rest of the body. Give 5 chest thrusts. These are given at the nipple line using two or three fingers, pressing straight down about 1/2 to 1 inch deep. Be sure to allow the chest to return to normal between thrusts.
4.Repeat steps 2 and 3, alternating between 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts. Continue until the object comes out or the baby becomes unconscious.
5. If your baby becomes unconscious call 911.