A choking baby can be dangerous if not treated immediately. This condition causes part or all of the airways to become blocked, making it difficult for the baby to breathe and can even endanger his life. Therefore, proper handling needs to be done immediately.
Babies can choke on certain objects, including food and drink. This is because the baby's respiratory tract is still small and narrow, and the baby's ability to chew food is not perfect.
In addition to food or drink, babies often put foreign objects, such as toys, into their mouths. It can also cause the baby to choke. That is why, it is important for mothers to always monitor the activities of their little ones and know the symptoms when the baby is choking so that the initial treatment steps can be taken immediately.
Recognizing the Causes and Symptoms of a Choking Baby
In addition to watching your little one while eating or drinking, you also need to keep him away from objects that have the potential to make the baby choke, such as coins, balloons, to small toys.
Although a baby's choking is generally caused by his poor swallowing ability, there are also some health conditions that can increase the risk of a baby choking. These conditions include growth disorders, neurological disorders, disorders of the brain, to brain injuries.
When choking, the baby will cough. Coughing is a natural reflex of the baby's body to expel foreign objects that block the respiratory tract. Mothers need to immediately take their little ones to the pediatrician if the baby also shows some of the following symptoms:
- Looking cranky
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Breath sounds sound
- Her lips and skin look bluish
- Weak
- Can't cry
- Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness
First Aid Steps When a Baby is Choking
If you see your little one choking, take the following initial steps immediately:
- Let your little one cough to get the foreign object out by itself.
- If your little one does not cough or is unable to expel a foreign object that is choking him, place him on your lap in a prone position with his head lower than his back and lower body.
- Gently pat the center of your little one's back 5 times.
- Look into his mouth. If you see something in his mouth, try your best to pick it up.
- If this method has not succeeded in removing the object that is choking your little one, turn his body to a supine position with the head position still lower. Place 2 fingers in the center of his chest and gently press 5 times, then look back into his mouth.
The methods above are usually able to overcome the condition of a choking baby. However, if the foreign object that is choking your child cannot be removed from the airway, immediately take your child to the pediatrician. Do not delay seeking help because this condition is dangerous if left too long.
If your little one's condition has been successfully handled, make sure the mother takes various preventive measures so that similar incidents don't happen again. The trick is to always supervise your little one while eating, drinking, or playing, and not giving food that is at risk of choking, such as popcorn, grapes, or nuts.
