What to Do If an Infant Is Choking-Step-By-Step Instructions

​An infant choking emergency can happen in seconds and is one of the most frightening situations a parent or caregiver can experience. Knowing how to recognize the signs of choking and respond quickly can save a baby's life.
Whether you're a parent, grandparent, babysitter, or childcare provider, learning infant choking first aid and CPR is essential.

How to Tell if an infant is choking

A choking infant may:

• Be unable to cry or make sounds
  
• Have difficulty breathing or stop breathing altogether
  
• Cough weakly or silently
  
• Turn blue, gray, or pale around the lips and face
  
• Appear panicked or distressed
  
• Have a weak or ineffective cough

If the infant is coughing forcefully or crying, encourage them to continue coughing and monitor them closely. Do not interfere unless the airway becomes completely blocked.

What to do if infant under 1 year old is choking

If the infant cannot cough, cry, or breathe, take immediate action.

1. Step 1: Call 911. Have someone call 911 immediately. If you're alone, provide care for about two minutes before calling emergency services.
2. Step 2: Give Five Back Blows. 
   
3. Step 3: Give Five Chest Thrusts. 

Continue alternating five back blows and five chest thrusts until:

• The object is expelled
  
• The infant begins breathing normally
  
• Emergency responders arrive
  
• The infant becomes unresponsive

What to do if infant becomes unresponsive

If the infant becomes unresponsive:
1. Gently place the infant on a firm, flat surface.
2. Begin infant CPR immediately.
3. Call 911 if it hasn't already been done.
4. Before giving breaths, look for a visible object in the mouth.
Never perform a blind finger sweep because it can push the object deeper into the airway.

Common choking Hazards for infants

​Many infant choking incidents are preventable. Common choking hazards include:

• Grapes
  
• Hot dogs
  
• Nuts and seeds
  
• Popcorn
  
• Hard candy
  
• Coins
  
• Batteries

Always supervise infants during feeding and playtime and follow age-appropriate food recommendations.

How to prevent choking

To reduce choking risks:

1. Cut food into small, manageable pieces
   
2. Keep small objects out of reach
   
3. Follow recommended feeding guidelines
   
4. Ensure toys are age-appropriate
   
5. Avoid propping bottles during feeding
   
6. Keep infants seated upright while eating

Learn infant cpr and Choking rescue skills

Hands-on training can help you feel confident during an emergency. An infant CPR and first aid course teaches parents and caregivers how to recognize choking, provide lifesaving care, and respond effectively until EMS arrives.

At Help-A-Heart CPR, we offer hands-on infant CPR, child CPR, and first aid classes for parents, families, childcare providers, and healthcare professionals throughout San Antonio and surrounding communities. With experienced instructors and flexible scheduling we offer classes that can accommodate even the busiest schedule.

Ready to learn infant choking rescue skills? Visit our registration page to register for an upcoming class.