Author: Resident Nutritionist here at Little Dreamers, Tessa Scott.
As your baby embarks on the exciting journey of transitioning to solid foods, you may encounter some unexpected moments – like choking and gagging. While these experiences can be unnerving, they're actually a natural part of your baby's development. Understanding the distinctions between gagging and choking and knowing how to respond can instill confidence as you introduce solids to your little one. Gagging vs. Choking: Gagging and choking are terms often used interchangeably, but they signify distinct processes. Gagging is a common response when introducing solids, triggered by a baby's natural "gag reflex." Initially located at the front of the mouth, this reflex gradually shifts backward as your baby learns to manipulate food. Gagging is characterised by watery eyes, pushing the tongue forward, retching movements, and occasional vomiting. It's usually accompanied by loud noises. Choking, on the other hand, is a more serious situation. It's quieter and indicates that a piece of food or an object is blocking the airway. Signs of choking include gasping for air, coughing, trouble breathing, high-pitched sounds, turning blue, and even loss of consciousness. If choking occurs, immediate action is crucial. Handling Gagging: When your baby gags, it's important to remain calm. Gently demonstrate proper chewing and mouth movement to guide them. Remember, this is likely their first experience with food textures, so your guidance is invaluable. Show them how to manoeuvre the food in their mouth to ease their discomfort. Dealing with Choking: If your baby is choking, quick and proper response is essential, including calling emergency services if you feel it is warranted. Remove them from the highchair and follow First Aid guidelines. Perform back blows and chest thrusts to dislodge the obstructing item. Being prepared and confident in your ability to handle a choking situation is important. You can learn this through any First Aid course. They even have baby First Aid courses which are really good if you get a chance to do one!
Minimising Choking Risks: While any food has the potential to pose a choking hazard, certain items are riskier than others. Here are some foods that commonly lead to choking incidents and how to make them safer for your baby:
Hard Foods: Cook raw fruits and vegetables until they're soft or grate them.
Small Round/Oval Foods: Cut grapes, fruits with stones, nuts, seeds, and peas into quarters to reduce choking risk.
Foods with Skins/Leaves: Remove skin and thinly slice chicken, lettuce, and fruits.
Compressible Foods: Cut sausages and marshmallows into lengths or quarters instead of rounds.
Fibrous/Stringy Foods: Skin pineapples, slice meats against the grain, and choose minced or shredded meat.
Foods with Bones: Remove all bones from chicken nibbles and fish before serving.
As you introduce solids to your baby, understanding the nuances of gagging and choking is essential. Gagging is a natural part of the learning process, while choking demands immediate action. By staying informed and prepared, you can navigate this exciting phase with confidence. Remember, attending a baby First Aid session is a wise step for both parents and caregivers. If you ever feel uncertain about your baby's safety, don't hesitate to contact emergency services. Your proactive approach can ensure a smooth and safe transition to solid foods for your little one.
Tessa and I have also co-written a nutrition eBook called Little Eaters to educate and support you with the knowledge you need to nourish and nurture your baby in the first few years. The eBook is available for purchase via the Little Dreamers website - click here to grab a copy!
Tessa is the Resident Nutritionist here at Little Dreamers. To book in a consultation with Tessa click here.