HOW CAN I STOP BABY FROM CHOKING?

If your baby is suddenly unable to breathe, cry, cough, or speak, he may be choking. This happens if your baby's airways get partially blocked, and makes breathing or coughing difficult, but not impossible. Choking is the result of a complete obstruction to the airway.

Knowing how to quickly and effectively clear a blocked airway and, if necessary, resuscitate your baby, may save his life. If your baby is choking, but still coughing effectively, let him cough - it's the best way to clear an airway

How can I stop my baby from choking?

Dislodge the blockage
Hold your baby so that he is lying face-down along your forearm, supported by your thigh, with his head lower than his bottom and his back and head supported.

• Use the heel of your hand to give up to five blows between your baby’s shoulder blades. Effective back blows cure most choking incidents.
• If you can see an obstruction, try to remove it. But don't feel blindly in his mouth with your finger. This could push an obstruction further into his throat.

Give five chest thrusts
If your baby is still unable to breathe, turn him on to his back and give up to five chest thrusts:

• Use two fingertips to push inwards and upwards (towards his head against his breastbone, one finger's width below his nipple line).
• Try to dislodge the object with each thrust. Don't automatically do all five.
• Check your baby's mouth after each thrust and remove the obstruction.

 

If the obstruction does not clear after three cycles of back blows and chest thrusts,
 If the obstruction is removed, it is best to take your baby to see a doctor. Part of the object may have been left behind, or your baby could have been harmed during your attempts to remove it.