Even though parents do everything they can to protect their children, there may come a time when a baby or child can’t breathe, cry or cough. This is caused when the child’s airway is partially blocked, which often happens as a baby is beginning to eat solid foods. Here are the steps to take when your baby is choking.
If you haven’t already done so, it would be a good idea to sign yourself up for a baby and child first aid class. They will go into detail teaching you what to do if your baby starts to choke. Quick and effective treatment is necessary and it is something you can do yourself.
If you notice an adult or larger child choking you may be tempted to perform the Heimlich maneuver. This is done by wrapping your arms around the person’s waist from behind. With a fist and your thumb facing inward, you grab hold of the other fist and pull upward quickly. Normally this will dislodge whatever is caught.
You can’t use this same maneuver for babies, however. There is a different method:
* Place the baby on a firm surface laying it on its back. Stand or kneel at their feet. You can also place the baby on your lap with its head away from you.
* Place your middle and index finger of both hands in the upper abdomen. The proper placement is between the ribcage and navel.
* Push in quick, gentle upward thrusts.
* Repeat this movement until the object is dislodged.
* Be sure your child is seen by a medical professional even if they are breathing fine.
Here are other steps to take when your baby is choking. Begin by checking their mouth for anything which obviously shouldn’t be there. Refrain from checking by sweeping your finger through their mouth; this could cause the item to become dislodged further down their throat. If the item is something you can easily remove, do so.
Rather than laying them on a firm surface, sit down on a chair and lay the baby across your forearm. Their head should be away from you and you should support its head. The head will also be lower than their body.
With the heel of your hand, fingers up and away, give up to five short, quick blows on their back. This should dislodge whatever is causing the problem. You’ll also want to check their mouth to see if there is an obvious obstruction.
If you can’t remove the obstruction after trying each of these methods at least three times, call for emergency help. Continue to use the chest thrusts and back blows until an ambulance arrives.
No parent wants to experience the helplessness of watching a baby choke. Unfortunately the possibility is there with pieces of food which are too large or small items the baby finds. Get training so you know the steps to take when your baby is choking. You’ll then be prepared in case the problem ever presents itself.
