Understanding Choking in Babies
Choking is a serious risk for babies under 6 months old. It’s crucial to know the difference between normal feeding behaviors and true choking. Parents should be aware of common hazards and learn how to respond if choking occurs.
Choking Hazards and Risks
Babies are at higher risk of choking due to their small airways and developing swallowing skills. Common choking hazards include:
- Formula or breast milk flowing too quickly
- Incorrect bottle nipple size
- Overfeeding or feeding in incorrect positions
Babies can’t cough forcefully to clear their airways, making choking especially dangerous. Always supervise feedings and learn infant CPR.
Differences Between Gagging, Choking and Reflux
Gagging is a normal reflex that helps protect against choking. It’s common in babies and often mistaken for choking.
Signs of gagging include:
- Tongue thrusting
- Mild coughing
- Making a gagging face
Choking, on the other hand, is silent and involves:
- Inability to cry or make sounds
- Blue or pale skin
- Difficulty breathing
Reflux is when stomach contents come back up. It’s different from choking and gagging. Reflux symptoms may include:
- Spitting up
- Coughing after feeds
- Irritability during feeding
Knowing these differences helps parents respond appropriately to each situation.
How to prevent choking on formula milk?
To prevent choking on formula milk for babies under 6 months old, make sure
- Feed baby in an upright position
- Use proper feeding techniques such as Paced Bottle Feeding
- Choose appropriate bottle nipples
- Watching for signs that your baby is full. If your baby stops sucking or turns away from the bottles, it’s time to stop feeding.
- Remove the bottle nipple when your baby is no longer actively drinking. This can prevent excess milk from filling their mouth and causing choking.
- If there is a crack in the bottle nipple near the tip, replace it before feeding your baby.
To know more about how much you should feed your baby, you can read my previous blogs : ”How Much Formula Milk I should give my baby?”
By following these tips, parents can help ensure safer feeding times for their little ones.
Emergency Responses to Choking Incidents for baby less than 6 months
Quick action is crucial when a baby under 6 months chokes on formula milk. Knowing the right steps can save a life. Parents and caregivers should learn these emergency techniques.
Performing Back Blows and Chest Thrusts
If a baby shows signs of choking, like inability to cry or cough, act fast. Hold the baby face-down along your forearm, with their head lower than their body. Support the head and neck carefully.
Give 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades using the heel of your hand. This can help dislodge the blockage.
If back blows don’t work, turn the baby face-up on your lap. Give 5 chest thrusts using two fingers in the center of the chest, just below the nipple line. Use quick, downward motions.
Repeat back blows and chest thrusts until the object comes out or the baby starts breathing or coughing. If the baby becomes unresponsive, start CPR and call emergency services right away.
Prevention is key. Always hold the baby upright when feeding. Avoid overfeeding and ensure proper formula thickness.