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This is a life-threatening emergency. Call 911 immediately, then follow these steps while waiting for help.

Choking in an Infant (Under 1 Year)

Content reviewed against published AAP, AHA, Red Cross guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

A choking infant cannot cry, cough, or breathe. This is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate action with back blows and chest thrusts.

Immediate actions

  • Call 911 immediately
  • If baby cannot cry, cough, or breathe — start back blows immediately
  • DO NOT: Do NOT perform the Heimlich maneuver on babies under 1 year

Step-by-Step Response

1

Assess the situation

If baby is coughing forcefully, let them try to clear it. If baby cannot cry, cough, or breathe, or is turning blue, proceed immediately.

2

Position for back blows

Place baby face-down along your forearm, supporting the jaw with your hand. Keep baby's head lower than chest. Rest your forearm on your thigh.

3

Give 5 back blows

Using the heel of your free hand, give 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades. Each blow should be a distinct, forceful strike.

4

Turn baby over

Supporting the head, turn baby face-up on your forearm. Keep head lower than chest.

5

Give 5 chest thrusts

Place 2 fingers on the breastbone just below the nipple line. Give 5 quick downward chest thrusts (about 1.5 inches deep).

6

Check mouth

Look in baby's mouth. If you can SEE the object, carefully remove it with a finger sweep. Do NOT do blind sweeps.

7

Repeat

Continue alternating 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts until object is expelled, baby starts breathing/crying, or baby becomes unresponsive.

8

If baby becomes unresponsive

Begin infant CPR immediately. Call 911 if not already done. After 30 compressions, look in the mouth before giving breaths — remove visible objects.

What NOT to Do

  • ✕Do NOT perform the Heimlich maneuver on babies under 1 year
  • ✕Do NOT do blind finger sweeps — you may push the object deeper
  • ✕Do NOT hold baby upside down by the feet
  • ✕Do NOT slap baby on the back while they are upright
  • ✕If baby is coughing forcefully, do NOT interfere — let them try to clear it

When to Seek Help

Call 911 if:

  • Baby cannot breathe, cry, or cough
  • Baby is turning blue
  • Baby becomes unresponsive
  • Object is not cleared after multiple rounds of back blows and chest thrusts
  • Baby was choking and now appears to be breathing but is lethargic or drooling

Go to ER if:

  • Baby was choking and is now having difficulty breathing
  • Object was partially cleared but baby is still distressed
  • Baby was choking on a battery or magnet
  • Baby is drooling excessively and refusing to swallow after the episode

Call your doctor if:

  • After any choking episode, even if baby seems fine — to ensure nothing remains lodged
  • Baby has persistent cough after choking episode
  • You suspect baby swallowed something but is currently breathing normally
  • Baby has noisy breathing or wheezing after the episode

Age-Specific Guidance

0-6 months

Choking at this age is usually from liquids (breast milk, formula) during feeding. Keep baby in proper feeding position. Reflux can also cause choking episodes.

6-12 months

Starting solids is a high-risk time. Babies are learning to chew and may not handle textures well. Keep pieces small and soft. Supervise closely during meals.

1-3 years

Toddlers put everything in their mouths and may not chew food thoroughly. High-risk foods include grapes, hot dogs, popcorn, and nuts. Cut round foods lengthwise.

Prevention

  • Cut food into pieces smaller than a pea for babies under 1
  • Avoid high-risk foods: whole grapes, hot dogs, popcorn, nuts, hard candy, raw carrots, chunks of meat
  • Always supervise eating — baby should be seated upright in a high chair
  • Keep small objects out of reach (coins, buttons, batteries, balloons, pen caps)
  • Get down on the floor at baby's level to spot hazards
  • All caregivers should learn infant choking first aid
  • Check under furniture and between cushions regularly for small items

Frequently asked questions

Should I call 911 for choking in an infant (under 1 year)?
Yes. Baby cannot breathe, cry, or cough
What should I do first?
If baby cannot cry, cough, or breathe — start back blows immediately. Call 911 or have someone else call while you begin first aid. Do NOT perform blind finger sweeps. Do NOT perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich) on infants under 1
What should I NOT do?
Do NOT perform the Heimlich maneuver on babies under 1 year. Do NOT do blind finger sweeps — you may push the object deeper. Do NOT hold baby upside down by the feet. Do NOT slap baby on the back while they are upright. If baby is coughing forcefully, do NOT interfere — let them try to clear it
How can I prevent this?
Cut food into pieces smaller than a pea for babies under 1. Avoid high-risk foods: whole grapes, hot dogs, popcorn, nuts, hard candy, raw carrots, chunks of meat. Always supervise eating — baby should be seated upright in a high chair

Sources

AAPAHARED CROSS

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources

Related Emergency Guides

cpr infantbreathing emergency

Bottom line

This is a serious emergency. Always call 911 first, then follow the steps above while help is on the way.

You are doing the right thing by learning what to do in an emergency. Being prepared is one of the best things you can do for your child.