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.
Is baby choking? Get help now
Baby choking signs: noisy breathing, coughing, trouble breathing, baby won’t wake up.
Emergency!
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 choking
Lay baby face down along your thigh, arm or lap.
Give 5 sharp back blows between baby’s shoulder blades. Look in baby’s mouth between each blow to check whether the blockage has cleared.
If baby is still choking, lay baby on their back. Put 2 fingers in the centre of the chest between the nipples and give 5 firm, quick chest pushes.
Look in baby’s mouth. If you can see something, get it out. If the airway is still blocked and baby is still choking, repeat back blows and chest pushes.
Do 5 back blows and 5 chest pushes until the blockage moves or medical help arrives.
If baby becomes unconscious at any time, start chest pushes and air puffs.