Baby Safety Answers!

 

Q: When new foods are introduced, my toddler often seems close to choking; is this common?

A: Iris Novak, a pediatric nurse, says when toddlers start to eat solids, they may cough or appear to be choking. "Remember, if the baby is making sounds, let the baby try to clear it independently. The sounds the baby is making mean that air is still getting through," she says. "If the baby is not making any sounds, appears in distress or is turning blue, this situation is called choking and you must take immediate action to clear the airway."

• Have someone call 9-1-1 if the baby cannot cough, cry, make sounds, or breathe as you start rescue steps immediately.
• Don’t shake the baby or hold the baby upside down. This could make the baby worse.
• Do not search with your finger for the object if you can’t see it. This could push the object farther back in the throat.
• Learn CPR and have everyone who cares for your child learn it. You may never need to use CPR, but if and when you do, you will be very grateful you’ve learned it.

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