Hello!

I have started my baby on finger foods, I know she needs to start eating more solid foods but she has choked a few times and now whenever she has finger foods, I get very anxious and panicky that she will choke again.


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  • I’m not sure there is a way to get over this fear – you do need to be very vigilant with littles and food anyway.


  • There is always an underlying fear, but doing a first aid also helps.


  • they are still learning to swallow. it’s ok.


  • I don’t think we honestly ever do. I have learnt to laugh about it now because I realised, as adults we still choke on food (*face palm).
    Seriously though, learn first aid. Give them appropriate food for their age. Is it too big, too hard, too small, too soft? When they show signs of choking, lean them forward and help encourage the natural habit of bringing the food back to the front of their mouth to chew some more, or spit out. It might happen a bit but the more “solid” foods they get, the sooner they will learn. Just remember not to panic, but act calmly & quickly when needed,


  • It is a bit scary at first I was scared toovbut it is a very natural thing. And they do get used to it.


  • Being up to date with what are potential chocking hazards, making sure you supervise your little one and also ensuring their are eating age/developmentally appropriate foods are helpful. I think it is important for all parents to undertake a basic first aid course to, which involves a choking component, so that people may prevent choking situation and also know what to do in the event that it occurs.


  • I had that fear and realised a lot of times my kids choked or gagged on the food was either : there throat was too dry ( so sip some water first ), the pieces were too big or the food was just too tough . Perhaps test the food yourself first and if its right and swallows easily then it should be right . I supervised mine like a hawk so its just taking care .


  • The panic and anxiety always seems to be there. Make sure you understand what to look out for if they are choking – there is plenty of good educational information online. And be vigilant in watching them while they eat and keep an eye out for any changes.


  • I don’t think as parents we ever get over the fear of our babies choking. But I found it really helpful to look up and know the difference between normal gagging and learning to eat, and actual choking. In babies choking is silent.
    Even a quick YouTube search helps show the difference. That helped me heaps! And knowing what to do in an actual chocking emergency- first aid.

    Plus knowing what finger foods to give, which way to cut them and always always supervise while they’re eating.
    But worrying and fear is all part of it too. Knowledge do3s help it tho.


  • I didnt stop panicking until ny kids were around 3. Its horrible.


  • Maybe you could seek advice on what suitable solids / finger foods are suitable for your baby. Some raw foods are not advised until baby has enough teeth to chew them properly. Some foods can swell and cause choking before it travels down far enough to prevent that happening.


  • My son is nearly 6 and he chokes on food now more than ever because he just shovels it in. As long as you are there watching them, there really isn’t anything else you can do.


  • I don’t think we ever do, well I know I haven’t. As parents it is our job to worry. I’ve just been sure to partake in child specific first aid courses. So if anything were to happen I have learnt the correct ways to dislodge any choking hazards. Also without letting them practice with solids they will never learn how not to choke on food


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