How to Help a Choking Infant

Babies under 1 year old can choke when an object like food or a toy becomes stuck in their throat, blocking their airway. A choking baby won’t be able to cry or cough loudly. You may notice a high-pitched sound when trying to inhale, difficulty breathing as the ribs and chest pull inward, weak or ineffective coughing, or a bluish tint to the skin. To help a choking baby, call 9-1-1 and begin the first-aid steps below for a choking infant under 12 months old.

Give 5 Back Blows

Lay your baby face down along your forearm, using your thigh or lap to support them. Hold their chest in your hand and jaw with your fingers. Your baby’s head should be pointed downward, lower than their body. With the heel of your free hand, give five quick, forceful blows between your baby’s shoulder blades.

Give 5 Chest Thrusts

If the object doesn’t come out after the five back blows, turn your baby face-up using your thigh or lap for support. Hold the back of their head, which should again be angled downward, lower than their body. Place two of three of your fingers in the center of your baby’s chest just below the nipple line. Give five quick thrusts downward, compressing the breastbone about 1 ½ inches.

Continue Back Blows and Chest Thrusts

If the object still hasn’t come out, continue doing sets of five back blows followed by five chest thrusts until one of the following happens:

• The object is forced out.
• The infant can cough forcefully, cry, or breathe.
• The infant becomes unconscious.

Perform Infant CPR if Needed

Start CPR only if your baby becomes unconscious. Signs include being unresponsive, turning blue, and not breathing. Call 9-1-1 if you haven’t already done so. Then follow these steps:

Give 2 Rescue Breaths

Lower your baby onto a firm, flat surface. Tilt the baby’s head back and lift the chin up. Cover the baby’s nose and mouth with your mouth to make a complete seal. Give one rescue breath and look to see if the chest rises. If it doesn't rise, retilt the baby's head, and give another rescue breath. If the chest doesn’t rise, begin 30 chest compressions.

Give 30 Chest Compressions

Place two fingers in in the center of your baby’s chest just below the nipple line and give 30 chest compressions about 1 ½ inches deep. Push fast, at least 100 compressions per minute.

Try to Remove the Object

Look for the object that your baby choked on and remove it if you see it.

Give 2 More Rescue Breaths

Do two more rescue breaths by tilting the baby’s head back, lifting the chin up, and covering the baby’s nose and mouth with your mouth to make a complete seal. Both breaths should be one second each. If the chest doesn’t rise, repeat the 30 chest compressions, look for the object and give two more rescue breaths. If the chest clearly rises, check for breathing. If your baby is still not breathing and unconscious, continue CPR.

Common Causes of Infant Choking

Some common choking hazards for babies include balloons, buttons, coins, and small toys. Foods that are commonly choking hazards include:

• Pieces of raw vegetables or hard fruits
• Grapes (should be cut in quarters)
• Whole hot dogs (should be cut lengthwise before dicing)
• Untoasted white bread
• Dried fruit like raisins
• Nuts
• Chunks of meat or cheese
• Marshmallows
• Popcorn
• Candy

If you have any questions about the foods that you can feed your baby, ask your pediatrician.