Oh my gosh, you guys, I just had the scariest moment of my life! My precious little munchkin started choking, and I went into full-on panic mode. But thank goodness, I remembered what to do, and I managed to save my baby in the nick of time.
Now that I’ve caught my breath and my heart rate’s coming back down, I need to share this crucial information with all you other parents out there. Trust me, you do not want to experience what I just did.
First things first, let’s talk about recognizing the signs of choking. It’s not always easy to tell, especially in babies who love putting everything in their mouths. But if your baby is suddenly gasping for air, unable to make sounds, or turning blue, those are major red flags. Sometimes they try to chew small chunks of solid food, which slip through their throat and get stuck, hence preventing the air passage. Often time he chews plastic wraps which can easily block the air passage and cause chocking. In any of these cases, if you suspect your baby is choking, act fast! Don’t waste a single second. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Prevention: If you get a single hint that your baby might be choking, or about to choke, put your index finger insider her mouth and try to take out anything you find; like you are taking out jam or jelly out of the container.
2. Stay Calm (Easier Said Than Done): I know, I know, easier said than done when you see your baby in distress. But panicking won’t help anyone. Take a deep breath and focus.
3. Lay Your Baby Face Down: Lay your baby face down along your forearm, supporting their head and neck with your hand. Make sure their head is lower than their body to help gravity do its thing.
4. Give Back Blows: Use the heel of your hand to deliver firm but gentle blows between your baby’s shoulder blades. Aim for five quick blows to dislodge the object causing the choking.
5. Check Their Mouth: Carefully flip your baby over while supporting their head and check their mouth for any obvious obstructions. If you can see and safely remove the object, go for it. But if not, don’t stick your fingers in there and risk pushing it farther down.
6. Perform Chest Thrusts (If Necessary): If back blows don’t work, you may need to move on to chest thrusts. Place two fingers in the center of your baby’s chest and give five quick, firm thrusts.
7. Call 911 (If Needed): If your baby is still choking after attempting back blows and chest thrusts, call 911 immediately. Every second counts in a choking emergency, and you may need professional help to save your baby’s life.
Phew, just writing all that out has my heart racing again. But seriously, guys, it’s so important to know what to do if your baby starts choking. I never want anyone to go through what I just did.
So please, please, please, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with these life-saving techniques. You never know when you might need them. Trust me, I never thought I would, but I’m so grateful I did.