The fear of a baby choking is universal for new parents. It’s a moment that demands immediate, confident action. While preparation focuses heavily on prevention (cutting food correctly, keeping small objects away), knowing exactly what to do when an airway is blocked is what makes you a Choking Hazard Hero.

This guide breaks down the essential steps: the back blows and chest thrusts needed to save your baby’s life in a choking emergency.

1. Recognise the Difference: Choking vs. Gagging

Before you intervene, you must confirm it is true choking.

• Gagging: This is noisy (coughing, spluttering, turning red). The baby is able to move air. Do not intervene! A baby’s natural reflex will usually clear the obstruction. Your role is to stay calm and supportive.

• Choking (Severe Airway Blockage): This is silent, or the sound is a weak, high-pitched wheeze. The baby cannot cry, cough or breathe and they may quickly start turning blue or grey. This requires immediate intervention.

2. The Emergency Action Plan (The 5 and 5 Method)

If your baby is choking, you need to follow this sequence immediately. Don't waste time looking for a phone until you've started the intervention.

Step 1: Deliver 5 Back Blows

• If the object is not dislodged, move immediately to Step 2.

Step 2: Deliver 5 Chest Thrusts

• If the object is not dislodged, repeat the 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts until the baby is breathing, coughing or becomes unresponsive.

Step 3: Call for Help

• If you are alone and your baby is unresponsive, call emergency services immediately. If the baby is still responsive and you are continuing the 5-and-5 cycle, continue until help arrives. If possible, have someone else call for help while you intervene.

3. How to Perform Infant Back Blows

This manoeuvre uses gravity and force to help dislodge the object.

1. Positioning is Key: Sit down and lay the baby face-down along your forearm with their head positioned lower than their chest. Rest your forearm on your thigh for support.
2. Support: Use your hand to support the baby’s jaw and neck, being careful not to cover their mouth or twist their neck.
3. Strike: Using the heel of your free hand, deliver 5 sharp, rapid blows between the baby’s shoulder blades.
4. Check: After each set of 5 blows, turn the baby over and quickly look into their mouth. If you see the object, sweep it out using your little finger. Never perform a blind finger sweep, as this can push the object further down.

4. How to Perform Infant Chest Thrusts

If the back blows do not clear the airway, move to chest thrusts.

1. Repositioning: Turn the baby over so they are face-up along your forearm, still supported by your thigh, ensuring the head is lower than the chest.
2. Identify Location: Imagine a line drawn across the baby’s nipples. Place the tips of two fingers (not your thumb) on the center of the breastbone, just below that imaginary line.
3. Thrust: Deliver 5 quick, downward chest compressions (thrusts) that are about one-third the depth of the chest. The action is similar to infant CPR compressions, but faster.
4. Repeat: Repeat the 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts cycle until the object comes out or the baby becomes unresponsive.

If your baby becomes unresponsive at any point, place them on a firm, flat surface and begin Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) immediately, starting with 30 chest compressions.

The ability to act decisively in this moment is priceless. While this guide provides the necessary information, nothing replaces hands-on practice. Consider enrolling in a dedicated infant first aid course to practice these life-saving skills until you feel completely confident.



For more information: https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/safety/choking-strangulation/choking-first-aid-pictures

Disclaimer: The health information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.