What to Do if Infant is Choking on Milk?
As a parent, it’s natural to worry about your infant’s safety and well-being. One of the most common and frightening situations is when an infant chokes on milk. Choking is a serious condition that requires immediate attention and action. In this article, we will guide you on what to do if your infant is choking on milk.
What Causes Choking in Infants?
Choking in infants is usually caused by a blockage in the airway, which can occur when a baby tries to swallow milk too quickly or when the milk flows back up into the mouth and nose. This can happen when a baby is fed too quickly, or when the nipple is too large or too small for the baby’s mouth.
Symptoms of Choking in Infants
If your infant is choking on milk, you may notice the following symptoms:
- Coughing: A baby who is choking may cough violently, but the coughing may not be effective in dislodging the blockage.
- Struggling to breathe: A choking baby may struggle to breathe, and you may notice that they are making a high-pitched sound or are having difficulty making sounds.
- Turning blue: In severe cases, a choking baby may turn blue due to lack of oxygen.
What to Do if Infant is Choking on Milk
If you suspect that your infant is choking on milk, follow these steps:
Step 1: Act Fast
Time is of the essence when it comes to choking. Every second counts, and the sooner you act, the better the outcome.
Step 2: Back Blow
Back blows are a lifesaving technique that can help dislodge the blockage. To perform a back blow:
- Sit the baby upright: Sit the baby upright on your lap or on a firm surface.
- Support the baby’s head: Support the baby’s head with one hand, making sure their chin is pointing towards their chest.
- Use your other hand: Use your other hand to perform the back blow. Place your hand on the baby’s upper back, just below the shoulder blades.
- Give five quick blows: Give five quick blows between the shoulder blades, using the heel of your hand. This should help dislodge the blockage.
Step 3: Check for Breathing
After the back blows, check the baby’s mouth and nose for any signs of breathing. If the baby is still not breathing, proceed to the next step.
Step 4: CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
If the baby is not breathing, start CPR. CPR involves giving the baby 30 chest compressions followed by two breaths. Continue this process until the baby starts breathing again or medical help arrives.
Table: CPR for Infants
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Place the baby on their back on a firm surface |
| 2 | Kneel beside the baby |
| 3 | Place the heel of one hand on the center of the baby’s chest |
| 4 | Place your other hand on top of the first hand, with your fingers interlaced |
| 5 | Push down on the chest with the heel of your hand, compressing the chest to about 1/4 of its depth |
| 6 | Release the compression and repeat for 30 compressions |
| 7 | Give two breaths, each lasting about one second |
| 8 | Continue this process until the baby starts breathing again or medical help arrives |
Step 5: Call for Medical Help
Once you have started CPR, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Do not stop CPR until medical help arrives.
Prevention is the Best Medicine
While it’s essential to know what to do if your infant is choking on milk, prevention is the best medicine. To reduce the risk of choking, follow these tips:
- Feed your baby slowly and carefully: Feed your baby slowly and carefully to prevent milk from flowing back up into the mouth and nose.
- Use a nipple that is the right size: Use a nipple that is the right size for your baby’s mouth to prevent choking.
- Burp your baby regularly: Burp your baby regularly to prevent gas and air from building up in the stomach and esophagus.
Conclusion
Choking is a serious condition that requires immediate attention and action. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can help save your infant’s life if they are choking on milk. Remember to act fast, perform back blows, check for breathing, and call for medical help if necessary. Prevention is also key, so make sure to feed your baby slowly and carefully, use a nipple that is the right size, and burp your baby regularly.