Parents want their babies to be safe.
When your baby gags or chokes, it can be scary. Start your baby on solid foods only when they show signs of being ready.
Babies are still learning to chew food properly. They may try to swallow the food whole. Their small airways can easily be blocked. You can help reduce the risks of your baby choking. You can do this by making food that is the size, texture, and portion that are best for your baby.
It is important to watch your baby while they are eating to help prevent choking. Talk to your health care provider for more information about how to prevent choking. If you are concerned your baby is choking, call 911.
This is a list of possible choking hazards for babies 6-12 months.
Use the information below to learn more about how to keep your baby from choking.
Make sure to do these things:
- Only start solid foods when your baby is showing all 5 signs they are ready to eat solids.
- Sit your baby in an upright position when they are eating.
- Always stay in the room to supervise when your baby is eating. Even better, sit down and have a meal with your baby.
- Allow plenty of time for meals and snacks.
- Remind your baby to take small bites and offer small portions of food.
- Model safe behavior for your children. Eat slowly. Take small bites. Chew completely before swallowing.
Alert
* Avoid giving your baby any foods they may choke on. You can learn more about possible food choking hazards from the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
Signs of Choking - Call 911
- Difficulty breathing, ribs, and chest are pulling inward.
- Weak coughing or coughing without being able to breathe.
- Inability to cry or make much sound.
- Loss of consciousness (non-responsive) if what is causing the baby to choke is not cleared.
- Reaching for face or grabbing at their throat (with other signs of choking).
- Soft or high pitched sounds while inhaling
- Skin turning blue (This may not happen for all babies of all races. It is important to look for other signs).
Deeper Dive
Learn more about Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and Choking with this downloadable PDF and illustrated guide from the American Red Cross.