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What causes choking

Small things and food lumps can cause choking.

Small things or food lumps can cause choking and stop baby breathing.

Keep small things away.

Keep small things away from baby.

Watch when baby eats.

Watch baby while he eats. Cut up small food.

What to do if baby is choking

Stay calm.

Emergency!

Clear baby's mouth and check if breathing.

Stay calm! Look in baby’s mouth. Clear baby’s mouth.

Check if baby is breathing.

If baby cannot breathe, call 000.

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

Give 5 back blows and 5 chest pushes.

Lay baby face down along your arm or lap. Give five 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 her back. Give five chest pushes.

Repeat if airway is blocked and baby not breathing.

Look in baby’s mouth. If airway is still blocked and baby is still not breathing, repeat the back blows and the chest pushes.

Continue until blockage moves or medical help arrives.

Continue the five back blows, five chest pushes and breath checks until blockage moves or medical help arrives.

If baby becomes unconscious at any time, start child CPR.

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Raising Children Network is supported by the Australian Government. Member organisations are the Parenting Research Centre and the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute with The Royal Children’s Hospital Centre for Community Child Health.

Member Organisations

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  • The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne
  • Murdoch Children's Research Institute

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