Choking baby or child: what to do

Act at once: back blows first, then chest or belly thrusts, and call for help. Different for a baby under 1.

Right now (4)

Check if they can cough, cry or speak: if they can, let them keep coughing
Do not hit the back or put fingers in the mouth while they are coughing well
Shout for help, or have someone call 999 / 911 / 112 as soon as you can
If they cannot breathe, cough or make a sound, start the steps below straight away

Sit down and lay the baby face down along your forearm, head lower than the bodySupport the head and jaw. Keep the head low.
Give up to 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand
Turn the baby face up on your thigh, head lower than the body
Give up to 5 chest thrusts: two fingers in the middle of the chest, one finger-width below the nipple linePress down about one third of the chest depth. Do not use belly thrusts on a baby.
Look in the mouth: take out anything you can clearly see, but never sweep blindly with a finger
Repeat 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts until it comes out or help arrives

Lean the child forward and give up to 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades
If it is not out, stand behind and give up to 5 belly thrusts: fist above the belly button, pull in and upNot for babies. Use less force for a small child.
Alternate 5 back blows and 5 belly thrusts until it comes out or help arrives
If a child over 1 becomes unconscious, lay them down, call for help and start CPR

Call 999 / 911 / 112 if you have not yet, and put the phone on speaker
Start CPR: 5 rescue breaths for a baby or child, then 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths
Keep going until help arrives or they start breathing

Take them to be checked by a doctor even if they seem fineBelly thrusts can cause bruising inside, and some of the object may remain.
Tell the doctor what they choked on and what you did
Take a first aid course: you can practise on a doll

Cut grapes, cherry tomatoes and sausages lengthways, then in half again, for under 5s
Keep nuts, whole popcorn, hard sweets and small toys away from under 5s
Keep children seated while they eat, never running or lying down

Written from www.nhs.uk