If your newborn is choking, you should quickly assess the situation, perform back blows and chest thrusts, and call emergency services while ensuring the airway is clear.
What to Do if My Newborn is Choking? | A Complete Guide for Parents
I know that nothing is more terrifying than seeing your baby choke or struggle to breathe. Babies are vulnerable and curious, which makes choking a real possibility, especially in those early months. One minute, they’re quietly cooing, and the next, they could be facing a life-threatening situation. That’s why every parent must know exactly how to react when their newborn starts choking—because quick, calm action can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll go over how to recognize choking, what to do if it happens, and how to prevent it in the first place. We’ll also touch on common myths, provide tables with clear steps, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about choking emergencies in newborns.
How to Recognize When Your Newborn is Choking
Choking in newborns can be quiet, often without the dramatic coughing or gagging we associate with older children or adults. Babies lack the strength to expel objects from their airway effectively, which makes recognizing the signs crucial.
| Signs of Choking in Newborns | Symptoms to Look For |
| Silent choking | Baby cannot cry or make any noise. |
| Difficulty breathing | Rapid, shallow, or labored breathing. |
| Blue or pale skin | Lips, face, or extremities may turn blue (cyanosis). |
| Weak coughing | If the baby is coughing but seems ineffective. |
| Panic in their eyes | Baby may look wide-eyed with distress. |
| Limp or unconscious | Lack of oxygen can cause the baby to go limp. |
If your baby shows any of these signs, you need to act immediately to prevent oxygen deprivation.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Helping a Choking Newborn
If your newborn is choking, it’s essential to stay calm and act swiftly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do in case of choking:
- Assess the Situation:
- Is the baby coughing or crying? If yes, their airway is only partially blocked, and they may be able to clear it on their own. Encourage them to keep coughing.
- If the baby is silent or has difficulty breathing, their airway is fully blocked, and you need to act immediately.
- Call for Help:
- If you are alone, call 911 (or your local emergency number) before performing first aid. If someone else is with you, have them call while you begin.
- Give Five Back Blows:
- Hold the baby face down along your forearm, ensuring their head is supported.
- Use the heel of your hand to deliver five firm back blows between their shoulder blades. Be sure to use enough force to potentially dislodge the object, but not so much that you injure the baby.
- Give Five Chest Thrusts:
- If the back blows don’t work, turn the baby onto their back, supporting the head.
- Place two fingers on the middle of the baby’s chest, just below the nipple line, and give five quick chest thrusts, pressing down about 1.5 inches.
- Alternate Until the Object is Cleared:
- Continue alternating between back blows and chest thrusts until the object is dislodged or medical help arrives.
If at any point the baby becomes unconscious, you should begin infant CPR immediately and continue until emergency services arrive.
Choking Hazards and Prevention in Newborns
Babies explore the world through their mouths, so it’s not surprising that choking is one of the leading causes of injury in infants. Knowing what might cause choking and taking steps to prevent it can dramatically reduce the risk.
| Common Choking Hazards in Newborns | How to Prevent It |
| Food (especially liquids like milk or formula) | Feed in a semi-upright position and allow time for swallowing. |
| Small objects (toys, coins, etc.) | Keep small items, like buttons, marbles, or batteries, out of reach. |
| Household items (plastic bags, wrappers) | Ensure that small household objects are safely stored away. |
| Teething toys and pacifiers | Only use age-appropriate teething toys, and never tie them around the neck. |
| Excessive saliva or reflux | Monitor teething symptoms and consult your doctor if reflux seems severe. |
Why Newborns Are Prone to Choking
Newborns are particularly vulnerable to choking for several reasons:
- Underdeveloped Swallowing Reflex:
- Newborns haven’t fully developed their swallowing and airway-protection mechanisms, which means milk or saliva can easily get into the wrong passage.
- Weak Coughing Ability:
- Unlike older children, babies lack the strength to cough forcefully, making it difficult for them to expel objects or clear their throat when choking.
- Curiosity:
- Babies instinctively put everything in their mouths, which increases the likelihood of choking on small objects.
- Reflux and Teething:
- Reflux can cause a buildup of stomach contents or saliva, which may lead to gagging or choking. Similarly, excessive drooling during teething can sometimes overwhelm a baby’s ability to swallow effectively.
| Why Newborns Choke | Explanation |
| Weak swallowing muscles | Newborns are still learning to coordinate swallowing and breathing. |
| Small airway size | Their airways are tiny and can be easily blocked. |
| Poor head control | Babies lack the neck strength to adjust head position during choking. |
Steps to Prevent Choking in Newborns
Choking is often preventable, especially when you’re aware of the risks and take precautions. Here’s how you can keep your newborn safe:
- Safe Feeding Practices:
- Hold your baby in a slightly upright position during feeding to help milk or formula flow smoothly. Avoid feeding them while they are lying flat.
- Feed slowly, allowing your baby time to swallow. If your baby is struggling to breathe or seems to be gulping down milk too quickly, take breaks to allow them to catch their breath.
- Keep Small Objects Out of Reach:
- Get down to your baby’s level and look for small items that could be choking hazards. Anything smaller than a ping-pong ball should be considered dangerous.
- Be Cautious with Toys and Pacifiers:
- Always inspect toys for small, detachable parts. Pacifiers should be one-piece designs with ventilation holes in case they become lodged in the baby’s mouth.
- Supervise During Tummy Time:
- When babies are on their tummies, make sure they don’t have access to small items they could place in their mouths.
- Monitor Teething and Reflux:
- Excessive drooling and reflux can make babies more likely to choke on saliva. Consider elevating your baby’s head during naps or after feeding to reduce the risk.
When to Call a Doctor or Go to the ER
Even if you manage to dislodge the object, there are some situations where medical attention is necessary. Here’s when to seek professional help:
| When to Seek Medical Help | Why It’s Important |
| Persistent coughing or gagging | The baby may have damaged their airway, leading to irritation or swelling. |
| Blue or pale skin (cyanosis) | Indicates a lack of oxygen; emergency services are needed immediately. |
| Loss of consciousness | This is a sign that the baby hasn’t been getting enough oxygen and requires immediate medical intervention. |
| Difficulty breathing after choking | Your baby might still have something stuck in their airway. |
If your baby was choking but is now breathing normally, it’s still a good idea to visit the pediatrician for a follow-up check. Choking incidents can sometimes cause minor injuries to the throat or airways, which may need attention.
Infant CPR: What You Need to Know
In extreme cases, choking can cause a baby to lose consciousness. If this happens, you will need to start CPR while waiting for emergency services. Infant CPR involves gentle compressions and breaths tailored to a baby’s small body. Knowing how to perform infant CPR can be life-saving.
| Infant CPR Steps | Description |
| Check responsiveness | Gently tap the baby’s foot to see if they respond. |
| Begin chest compressions | Use two fingers to press down 1.5 inches on the baby’s chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. |
| Give rescue breaths | After 30 compressions, gently tilt the baby’s head back and give two breaths, covering both their mouth and nose. |
| Repeat until help arrives | Continue cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths. |
Learning CPR is something every parent should consider, even if they never have to use it. Many hospitals and local organizations offer CPR classes tailored to parents of newborns.
FAQs – What to Do if My Newborn is Choking
What should I do if my newborn is choking on milk?
If your baby is choking on milk or formula, stop feeding them immediately. Hold your baby upright and observe if they can clear the airway by coughing. If the baby can’t breathe, perform back blows and chest thrusts to clear their airway. Once the object is dislodged, you can try feeding them again, but always keep them in an upright position while eating.
Is it safe to give my newborn water during a choking incident?
No, giving water to a choking baby is not safe. It can make the situation worse by pushing the object further into the airway or causing the baby to aspirate the water. Stick to the recommended first aid steps: back blows and chest thrusts.
Can babies choke on their own saliva?
Yes, newborns can choke on their saliva, especially if they’re teething or have reflux. If your baby has frequent episodes of choking on saliva, it’s best to speak with a pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues like reflux.
How do I prevent my baby from choking on toys?
Always check the age recommendations on toys, and avoid giving your baby anything with small parts that could become a choking hazard. Ensure that any toys they play with are larger than their mouth and are in good condition. Regularly inspect toys for wear and tear, especially teething toys, which can break down over time.
Can choking incidents cause long-term damage?
Most choking incidents, if handled quickly and effectively, won’t cause long-term damage. However, if the baby was deprived of oxygen for too long or experienced severe airway trauma, there could be complications. Always have a doctor evaluate your baby after a choking episode, even if you cleared the obstruction.
Is it possible for a newborn to choke while sleeping?
Yes, a newborn can choke while sleeping, particularly if they’ve recently been fed or have reflux. Always place your baby on their back to sleep, and consider elevating their head slightly if they’re prone to reflux. Make sure the sleeping area is free from pillows, blankets, or other objects that could obstruct breathing.
Can teething increase the risk of choking?
Teething can cause excessive drooling, and if a baby swallows too much saliva at once, it can lead to choking. Monitor your baby during teething, especially if they are using teething toys, and ensure they are sitting upright when eating or chewing.
How do I know if my baby needs medical attention after choking?
If your baby is breathing normally and appears fine after the object is dislodged, you can monitor them at home. However, seek medical attention if they seem to have difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, or any signs of distress. Additionally, a doctor should check the baby’s throat and airway to ensure no internal damage occurred during the incident.
What is the best way to prevent newborn choking incidents?
The best prevention method is to create a safe environment by removing small objects, using age-appropriate toys, and feeding your baby in an upright position. Supervision is key during play and feeding times. It’s also helpful to take an infant CPR and first aid course so you’re prepared if an emergency occurs.
Should I always go to the ER after a choking incident?
It’s recommended to seek medical attention after a choking episode, even if your baby seems fine. A pediatrician can evaluate for any airway damage or irritation that may not be immediately noticeable. In the case of severe choking, an ER visit is essential for thorough examination and treatment.
Conclusion: What to Do if My Newborn is Choking
Take Quick, Confident Action to Keep Your Baby Safe
Knowing what to do when your newborn is choking is critical to saving their life. Whether it’s from milk, saliva, or a small object, acting fast with the right steps—back blows, chest thrusts, and calling for help—can prevent a dangerous situation from becoming a tragedy. Remember to stay calm, follow the steps outlined above, and always seek medical advice after any choking incident. Your baby’s safety depends on quick, confident action.