Choking in Babies

Choking in Babies Under 12 months old

Back Slaps

Chest Thrusts

A baby who is choking will be distressed and may be unable to cry, cough or breathe.

• Lie the baby face down along your forearm or thigh, with their head low. Support their head.
• Stop after each slap to check if the blockage has cleared.
• Important: do not use abdominal thrusts with babies under one year old.
• Stop after each thrust to check if the blockage has cleared.
• Dial 999 (or 112) for an ambulance immediately. Do not leave the baby. Take him or her with you to the phone
• Continue with the cycles of back slaps and chest thrusts until help arrives

Complications

Once the baby’s airway is cleared, some of the material that caused the blockage can sometimes remain and cause complications later. If the baby still has a persistent cough or difficulty swallowing, they need to see a health professional urgently. You should take the baby to A&E, an NHS Walk-in Centre or your GP if it’s during GP hours.

The advice provided is no substitute for proper first aid training.  For more information on attending a first aid courses please call us on 0151 207 0081.