Choking infant (under 1 year)

Infant Choking: Signs, Causes, & First Aid Response

What is Infant Choking?

Choking occurs when an infant has difficulty breathing due to a partial or complete airway blockage. Since an infant’s airway is smaller, they are at higher risk of obstruction from food or small objects.

First Aid for Infant Choking: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Call Emergency Services

• Immediately dial Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.

• Follow the DRSABCD Action Plan (Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation).

Step 2: If the Infant is Conscious

Perform 5 Back Blows

1. Position the infant face-down on your forearm, supporting their head and shoulders.

2. Hold their mouth open with your fingers.

3. Deliver 5 sharp blows between the shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.

4. Check after each blow—remove any dislodged object carefully.

If Still Choking: Perform 5 Chest Thrusts

1. Place the infant on their back on a firm surface.

2. Use two fingers (index & middle) on the lower half of the breastbone.

3. Give 5 sharp chest thrusts (slower and sharper than CPR compressions).

4. Check after each thrust—remove any loosened obstruction.

If Obstruction is Cleared

• Position the infant head-down on your forearm.

• Sweep out any remaining debris with your little finger.

If Obstruction Persists

• Alternate between 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts until help arrives.

Step 3: If the Infant Becomes Unconscious

• Start CPR immediately if they are not breathing.

• Call Triple Zero (000) if not already done.

Preventing Infant Choking: Safety Tips

• Avoid small, hard foods (nuts, popcorn, grapes).

• Cut food into tiny pieces.

• Keep small objects out of reach.

• Supervise infants during feeding.

Act Fast—Save a Life!

Knowing how to respond to an infant choking can prevent tragedy. Always seek emergency medical help after an incident.