🍼 YummyYucky
🚑 Gagging vs Choking
Stick it on the fridge. The one every babysitter should read.
| Gagging (normal, let them work) | Choking (emergency, act now) | |
|---|---|---|
| Sound | Loud: coughing, sputtering, retching noises | Silent, or a high squeak. Little or no air moving |
| Look | Red face, watery eyes, tongue forward | Panicked then limp, may go pale or blue around the lips |
| What it means | A protective reflex pushing food back to the front | The airway is blocked. Air cannot get in or out |
| What to do | Stay calm, stay close, let them bring it forward. Do not reach into the mouth | Start the steps below and call 911 right away |
🚨 If your baby (under 1) is choking and cannot cough, cry, or breathe:
- Shout for help and call 911 (or have someone call while you start).
- 5 back blows. Lay baby face-down along your forearm, head lower than chest, and give up to five firm blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
- 5 chest thrusts. Turn baby face-up, and give up to five thrusts with two fingers on the center of the breastbone.
- Alternate 5 and 5 until the object comes out or help arrives.
- Never use abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich) on a baby under 1.
This chart is a reminder, not a substitute for a hands-on infant CPR and choking class, which every caregiver should take. General information, not medical advice. In an emergency, always call 911.