A choking baby will die unless the situation is quickly recognized and appropriately dealt with. Choking can happen at any time and occurs suddenly. It requires rapid management to avert tragedy. You will not have time to refer to a first aid manual or consult a website when your baby chokes. Your baby is the most precious thing in your world. Learn now how to recognize and treat choking; you may save your baby's life one day.

Choking is the term used to describe the situation where the airway is obstructed by a foreign object. In babies this object could be a multitude of things. Every parent knows that babies love to put everything in to their mouths. Small toys that belong to their older sibling, beads and marbles, stones and pebbles from the garden and food items are just a few examples. An appreciation of items that commonly cause choking will help you avoid the situation from occurring. It is important to regularly look around your baby's environment and remove objects that could be potentially dangerous.

Unfortunately however, it is impossible to total eliminate the risk. Your baby has to learn how to chew and swallow solid foods and it is very difficult to ensure your older child always keeps their toys with small parts out of reach. Your baby should always be supervised when eating. Try to ensure your baby is sitting in an upright position in a suitable highchair. Prevent mobile toddlers from walking or running about when they have food in their mouths. Avoid foods that are known to be choking hazards such as whole grapes, peanuts and seeds and large pieces of meat.

Choking is generally divided in to mild and severe obstruction. When the obstruction is mild it is still possible for some air to reach the lungs. Your baby will still be able to breathe, cough and cry although this will be difficult. Your baby will appear distressed, and may look red in the face. In most instances a baby with mild airway obstruction will be able to clear the obstruction themselves by coughing. You do not need to intervene at this stage, but be alert to the situation in case the obstruction worsens.

A baby with a severe obstruction will not be able to breathe, cough or cry. They will appear very distressed. They initially will appear red in the face, but due to the lack of oxygen will quickly appear pale and blue. If the situation is not rapidly dealt with your baby will become unconscious and could die.

The correct first aid treatment

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Choking dangers for babies: Symptoms and treatments?
We want to hear your view. Write now!