Recognizing an obstructed airway in your baby, and what to do

The likelihood of your baby or small child’s airway becoming obstructed is rare. However, because there is still a chance it could happen, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs, and to know what to do in the event it does happen.

It’s equally important to take some preventative measures to reduce the chances of it occurring.

Recognizing signs of choking

• Gasping for air
• Lips and/or fingers and toes turn bluish in color
• Look of distress on their face
• Frantically waving arms about with no crying sounds
• Loss of consciousness

If you see your baby/child exhibiting one or more of these signs you need to act quickly.

Note : If they are choking, but show no indications of these signs, leave them alone. Choking/coughing is a natural reaction when there is foreign matter in the airway. They will most likely be able to clear whatever’s in there on their own. Be sure to monitor them through this process though, incase the above signs develop.

Action to take in a choking emergency

First and foremost, above anything else, remain calm. You will be in no position to help your baby/child if you can’t gather yourself together and think clearly.

Second, call 911 immediately. Even if this means leaving them momentarily, do it. Do not hesitate or try to determine if you can take care of the situation yourself. It’s always better to have back-up on the way.

Additionally, all Emergency Dispatchers are trained to give you step-by-step instructions on how to help your little one. This is your most valuable resource at this point.

Third, continue to follow the dispatcher’s instructions until emergency personnel arrive. You may want to seek out the standard medical instructional material for helping dislodge foreign objects from a baby’s throat (with helpful images), to have at your home for you and your child care providers.

Preventing choking

Small objects from numerous different sources including food and non-food items are usually the culprit when it comes to an obstructed airway in babies and small children. Reducing the chances of them getting their inquisitive little fingers on something small enough to become lodged in their throat is a must for parents.

Conduct an inventory of all the places they have access to, and remove any small objects you find. This should include areas they eat, play and sleep in, and should encompass both indoors and outdoors.

Purchase a Small Parts Tester from a specialty store. This tube-like device will help you determine if something is too small for them to have. The rule of thumb goes like this; if an object fits entirely into the tube, it’s considered a choking hazard. Also check toys and other play items for loose/broken parts.

When it comes to eating time, be sure to cut all food into very small pieces, and until they’ve mastered chewing, stay clear of small diameter foods or those with tough outer casings. Foods like grapes, raisins and hotdogs fall into this category. Finally, never leave them alone while they’re eating.

Being proactive significantly reduces the chances of your baby/child being able to put something in their mouth that may obstruct their airway. Being prepared in the event it happens is even better.

However, many parents freeze when faced with a real life situation of this kind. Remember to remain calm, and activate the emergency response system quickly. It will dramatically increase the chances of a positive outcome.