First Aid

One of the biggest concerns that parents seem to have when they are starting solid food with their baby is “what if they choke?” I really recommend every parent take a first aid course, not just because your baby is starting to eat food, but also because babies put everything in their mouths, and they explore their world a lot.
 
I always like to discuss the difference between choking and gagging and its relation to starting solid food, as there is a big difference. With one, you want to call 911, where as with the other, it is quite a common part of the starting solids process. Can you guess which is which?
 
Gagging

• sound
• red colour

 
Choking

• pale
• no sound

 
Gagging and/or coughing food back up, although stressful, are normal (1). This is a protective mechanism to actually help prevent kids from choking. When your baby is eating, be sure to always watch them, and never leave them alone. If they are gagging, encourage them to do so. Patting them on the back is not necessary, and in fact, can do more harm than good by making the food go further down and move into a place of choking.
 
Taking a first aid course, whether certifiable or not, will help you feel more confident in watching your little one eat. If you aren’t as worried about what choking actually is, and what to do about it, you will feel more confident. This empowers babies to feed themselves and to handle different textures (all things I recommend).
 
Need some help with finding a first aid course? Contact Jill, Nurture The Future’s Registered Dietitian at nf.nutrition@gmail.com
 
References:
1 http://www.dietitians.ca/Downloads/Factsheets/Tips-Feeding-Picky-Toddler.aspx
2 http://dontchoke.ubc.ca/intro-video/
3 http://www.sja.ca/English/Safety-Tips-and-Resources/Pages/Choking/choking.aspx

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