When a baby begins to eat solids is important that you watch them and help them by cutting the food into bite size pieces for them. Make sure that the pieces are small enough for their little mouths and that the food is not to hard for them. You may be excited for baby and want to indulge baby with everything since it is a new milestone in their lives. You need to be very cautious though that you are feeding baby safely.

Some baby are very vocal and make so many different noises that you may wonder if they are choking when they are eating. The best way to prevent baby from choking is monitoring them while the eating at all times. Do not even get up to answer the phone or grab something quickly. Things can happen in the blink of an eye and you don't want anything happening to your precious baby.

ways you tell if baby is choking are....

* If she continues to cough for a period of time. (like over 30 seconds)

* Seems like she is struggling to breathe.

* After a minute or two, baby's lips and nails will most likely turn blue.

* Loses consciousness.

Ways that you can help your baby if she/he is choking are....

* First try not to panic, you are no use to baby if you can not handle the situation and help her.

* Take a first aid/CPR class to learn the right things to do if your baby chokes.

* Look in baby's mouth and if you see something blocking her passage way try to take it out.

* Call 911. The operator can help instruct you on helping the baby as well as send emergency service to you.

* Hold baby in a face-down position, lengthwise on your forearm, head should be pointed toward the ground. If you need support place your forearm on your thigh.

* Give baby five firm back blows between the shoulder blades, using the palm of your hand.

* If baby still gives no response after the back blows then turn her around and place them face up in your other arm.

* Give baby five chest thrusts by placing three fingers in the center of the baby's chest, with your middle finger positioned in between her nipples then raise the middle finger off the chest and use the other two fingers to thrust.

* look again in baby's mouth and see if you see anything blocking her airway. if you do get it out.

* If there is still no response then place your mouth over the baby's nose and mouth securely and blow out into baby's mouth. Your breathe should make baby's chest move up and down. If it doesn't then reposition slightly and try again.

* If there is still no response then do the back blows again and repeat the chest thrusts. And then again the blowing into baby's mouth.

* Try to remain calm and help baby until emergency care gets there.

The most important thing is to call 911 as soon as possible and follow the instructions they give you. Even if baby returns and appears normal you should take baby in to get looked at. You should always practice safety when baby is eating or playing. baby can choke on items around the house just as well as food, so it is important to get down to there level and crawl around your house removing any potentially dangerous items.

When baby is eating make sure she is always sitting up. All the steps that I have listed above are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. So make sure that you get the appropriate help for your baby is you think she is choking! Do not worry if you are wrong and baby is only coughing, better safe then sorry!

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