Baby choking under one year old: the correct technique

Choking is a medical emergency. If a baby under one year old is coughing forcefully, crying, or breathing, let them cough. If they cannot breathe, cry, or make noise, act immediately. This guide follows accepted first-aid guidance for infants.

Emergency warning

Call your local emergency services immediately if the baby is not breathing, is turning blue, or becomes unconscious. Start the steps below while waiting for help.

What to do first

Check if the baby is choking. If they can cough, encourage coughing. If they cannot breathe, cry, or make noise, begin the technique below.

Step by step: back blows and chest thrusts

1. Position the baby: Lay the baby face down along your forearm, with their head lower than their chest. Support the head and jaw with your hand.
2. Give 5 back blows: Use the heel of your hand to give up to 5 firm blows between the shoulder blades. Check after each blow if the object has come out.
3. Turn the baby over: Place your free arm along the baby's back and support the head. Turn the baby face up, keeping the head lower than the chest.
4. Give 5 chest thrusts: Place two fingers on the lower half of the breastbone (sternum). Give up to 5 quick, downward thrusts. Check after each thrust.
5. Repeat: Continue alternating 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts until the object is cleared or help arrives.
6. If the baby becomes unconscious: Call emergency services if not already done. Begin infant CPR if you are trained, or follow the dispatcher's instructions.

What NOT to do

• Do not use abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver) on a baby under one year. It can cause serious injury.
• Do not put your fingers in the baby's mouth unless you can clearly see the object. Blind finger sweeps can push it deeper.
• Do not shake the baby or hold them upside down.
• Do not give food or water to try to push the object down.

When to call for help

Call emergency services immediately if the baby is not breathing, is turning blue, or becomes unconscious. Even if the object is cleared, seek medical attention afterward to make sure the baby is safe.

What to monitor

After the object is cleared, watch for difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, or noisy breathing. These may mean part of the object is still in the airway. Seek medical care if you notice any of these signs.

How to prevent choking

• Keep small objects like coins, buttons, and balloons out of reach.
• Cut food into small pieces and avoid hard foods like whole grapes, nuts, and popcorn for babies.
• Always supervise the baby during meals and play.
• Learn infant first aid and CPR from a certified course.

Act quickly and calmly. If the baby is not breathing, call emergency services and start the steps above. This is general information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. In an emergency, call your local emergency services.