Purees and Choking - How to Keep Baby Safe

Babies are less likely to gag or choke on purees compared to solid foods. When babies first suck on the breast or bottle, they are learning how to swallow liquids. Transitioning to purees can help teach your baby an effective swallowing technique, by propelling foods backward with the tongue and swallowing.

CHOKING VS. GAGGING

Although it may still look and feel intense or scary the first time a parent witnesses it, gagging is different than choking.

GAGGING

When a baby gags, it is most likely because food that has not been chewed well has gotten too far back in the mouth. The gag reflex is a built-in protective mechanism to protect the airway from food. With practice, your baby learns that they need to chew first, then swallow the food. Fortunately, with continued practice with eating, the gag reflex should lessen over time. 

SIGNS OF GAGGING INCLUDE:

• sounds, such as coughing or hacking
• baby’s skin may turn red or a darker shade
• baby’s eyes might water

Babies usually recover fairly quickly, and you may see the food come forward in their mouth. Although not as common, vomiting after gagging may happen. During this time, watch closely and do your best to stay calm.

CHOKING

On the other hand, choking happens when there is a blockage of the upper airway, from food or an object. Complete blockage of the airway prevents a person from breathing effectively. Therefore, choking is a true medical emergency and requires quick intervention on your part.

SIGNS OF CHOKING INCLUDE:

• baby is quiet
• baby’s skin may turn blueish in color
• baby won’t be able to cry or make much sound

Your baby may become unresponsive or lose consciousness if the food is not cleared. This is why it’s recommended to know CPR before starting solids of any kind. 

HOW TO KEEP BABY SAFE

With the proper precautions and knowledge, the fears will loosen, and feeding your baby can become a wonderful adventure for both of you. To be prepared, we recommend you attend a live class in your area or take this online Baby CPR Course.

• Always supervise with food – sit with your baby and try not to multi-task while your baby is eating.
• Baby should be sitting in an upright position for all meals and snacks, not reclined. If your baby starts to get sleepy during eating, remove food.
• No eating in the car seat unless an adult is in the backseat supervising your baby.
• Do not let baby eat on the go. Once your baby is crawling or walking, avoid letting them move around with food in their mouth or holding food in their hands.
• Check the temperature of foods before offering them.
• Check baby’s mouth after they are done eating. Some babies may pocket food in the sides of their cheeks or get food stuck to the roof of their mouth as they are learning to eat. If you see any food remaining, encourage your baby to keep chewing, spit it out if they need to, or take sips of water or milk. Avoid sticking your finger in your baby’s mouth to get the food out – we want baby to learn how to manage taking care of the food.