First aid for a baby who is choking

The information below gives you the key steps to helping a baby who is choking.


Step 1

Give up to five back blows. Hold the baby face down along your forearm with their head lower than their bottom. Hit them firmly on their back between the shoulder blades. If back blows do not dislodge the object, move on to step two.

The back blows create a strong vibration and pressure in the airway, which is often enough to dislodge the blockage. Dislodging the object will allow them to breathe again. Ensure you support their head while you hold them in the position described above.

Step 2

Give up to five chest thrusts. Turn the baby over so they are facing upwards and place two fingers in the middle of their chest just below the nipples. Push inwards and upwards up to five times. If chest thrusts do not dislodge the object, repeat steps one and two.

Chest thrusts squeeze the air out of the baby’s lungs and may dislodge the blockage.

Step 3

Call 999 if the object has not dislodged.