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Home Knowledge Center Wellness Library Choking Rescue for Babies

Choking Rescue for Babies

Overview

If the baby can cough or make sounds, let the baby cough to try to get the object out. If you are worried about the baby's breathing, call 911.

WARNING: Do not begin the choking rescue procedure unless you are certain that the baby is choking.

Choking rescue procedure (Heimlich maneuver) for a small child.
Choking rescue procedure (Heimlich maneuver) for a small child.

If a baby can't breathe, cough, or make sounds, then:

  1. Put the baby facedown on your forearm so their head is lower than the their chest.
  2. Support the baby's head in your palm, against your thigh. Don't cover their mouth or twist their neck.
  3. Use the heel of one hand to give up to 5 back slaps between the baby's shoulder blades.
  4. If the object does not pop out, support the baby's head and turn the baby faceup on your thigh. Keep the baby's head lower than their body.
  5. Place 2 or 3 fingers just below the nipple line on the baby's breastbone and give 5 quick chest thrusts (same position as chest compressions in CPR for a baby).
  6. Keep giving 5 back slaps and 5 chest thrusts until the object comes out or the baby faints.
  7. If the baby faints, call 911 (if you haven't called already). Then:
    1. Do not do any more back slaps or chest thrusts.
    2. Start CPR. If you do rescue breaths, look for an object in the mouth or throat each time the airway is opened during CPR. If you see the object, take it out. But if you can't see the object, don't stick your finger down the baby's throat to feel for it.
    3. Keep doing CPR until the baby is breathing on their own or until help arrives.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.

© 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

Related Links

Choking Rescue Procedure: Heimlich Maneuver

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