If you behold that your baby has problems with breathing, cough, crying or speak, it indicates that it might be gagging. In this situation the baby’s airways are partially obstructed which is causing the coughing and the hard breathing, but not completely impossible. But if the airways are completely blocked choking is occurring. In this situation the parents need to learn how to react quickly and efficient to set free the blocked airways which will save their baby’s life.
After a research that showed that most of the parents didn’t know what to do in this situation, the St. John Ambulance, the British Red Cross and St. Andrew’s First Aid have provided the parents with some tips and advices how to react if their baby is choking.
The most recent advice is to hold the baby along your thigh, faced down and strike the baby’s back. According to first aid experts this position allows better support for the baby, which is opposite from the previous advice that recommended holding the baby along the parent’s arm.
According to a study, 38% from 1000 parents have faced this situation where their baby started choking from food.
Clive James, a Senior Training Officer at St. John Ambulance stated:
“If the baby is choking then, in the first moment, it should be faced down along your thigh and supported by your arm, give them five back strikes amidst the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand”
“Before now the baby was supported by the arm but the leg is more secure and stable providing better support.”
“Take a closer look if there is an obstruction in their mouth. In case that obstruction is hear, turn the baby on its back and give up to five chest thrusts.”
