What causes choking
Small things or food lumps can cause choking and stop baby breathing.
Keep small things away from baby.
Watch while baby eats. Cut up, grate or mash food into small pieces.
What to do if baby is choking
Emergency!
Stay calm! Look in baby’s mouth. Clear baby’s mouth.
Check if baby is breathing.
If baby can’t breathe call 000 straight away. The 000 operator will tell you how to clear the blockage. Do what the operator tells you.
What to do if baby is not breathing
Lay baby face down along your arm or lap. Give 5 sharp back blows between baby’s shoulder blades. Check after each blow if baby is breathing.
If baby is still not breathing, lay baby on their back. Give 5 chest pushes.
Look in baby’s mouth. If airway is still blocked and baby is still not breathing, repeat the back blows and the chest pushes.
Do 5 back blows, 5 chest pushes and breath checks until blockage moves or medical help arrives.
If baby becomes unconscious at any time, start chest pushes and air puffs.