How to Perform First Aid for a Choking Infant

When an infant is choking, especially due to swallowing a foreign object, it's important to act quickly and carefully. One effective method is to place the baby face down on your forearm, supporting the head and neck with your hand. Ensure the baby's head is lower than their body to allow gravity to assist in dislodging the object.

Gentle Back Blows Technique

Using your palm, gently support the infant's head and neck, then deliver up to five light but firm back blows between the shoulder blades. Since infants are very delicate, it's crucial to use controlled, gentle force. This method helps to create vibrations and pressure that can help expel the object from the airway.

Chest Thrust Method

Alternative Approach for Choking Relief

If back blows do not immediately resolve the situation, carefully turn the baby over while keeping the head lower than the body. Place two fingers just below the breastbone, or sternum, and give up to five quick downward chest thrusts. These thrusts help to compress the lungs and create an artificial cough, which may help push the object out of the airway.

Key Safety Reminders

Always keep the infant's head lower than the body during the procedure to maximize the chance of dislodging the object. If the infant becomes unresponsive or if you are unsure about the procedure, call emergency services immediately. Learning infant CPR and choking relief techniques in advance can also be lifesaving in such critical moments.