Many parents are apprehensive about introducing the pieces for fear of choking.
The gag reflex, also known as the gag or gag reflex, is often frightening and can be mistaken for choking.
Here is an article to help you understand the difference between a gag reflex and choking.
The gag reflex / gag reflex / heart rate
The gag reflex is a normal part of a child's development. It is present in all babies from birth to protect their airways. It is sensory in origin.
In the first few months, babies are only made to drink liquids, so they may identify certain objects or other things as an intrusion and gag.
This gag reflex is designed to recede as baby is solicited. This means that with teething toys that baby will chew, put in all parts of the mouth, sink in... he will thus be able to create sensations, sometimes even provoke a gagging or even vomiting, and thus progressively make his gag reflex recede.
This can also recede with solid food. Baby will also create sensations with the pieces, by putting them more or less far in the mouth.
Baby may gag if the piece goes too far into the mouth, if the piece is too big, if it is sensory disturbing for example.
During a gag reflex, baby breathes, he is fine. He may still be sensory impaired.
- Events:
Tongue out
Cough
High spirits
May lead to vomiting
- How to react?
The first thing to do is to try to self-soothe, telling yourself that this is not choking, that baby is breathing, that this is part of normal child development.
Then it will be possible to reassure baby, to verbalise the situation and explain it to him.
Very often, baby does not need any help, he can take out the troublesome food by himself.
It is also possible to make the baby drink to help him.
Pick him up if necessary to reassure him.
Choking
There are two kinds of obstructions
- Partial obstruction:
Baby breathes
He can shout
Or cry
He may cough
He may also be hyper salivating
- How to react?
The back is not tapped to prevent the piece from shifting and tipping into total obstruction
We keep baby upright too
We call 15
- Total obstruction :
Baby doesn't scream
Don't cry
It does not breathe
It turns blue
This is a vital emergency
- How to react?
First aid is practiced
We call 15
It is important that baby can explore with his mouth and create sensations for his orality and help him to reverse his gag reflex.
Don't hesitate to take part in a first aid course in order to learn how to do it.
For more details...
Speech therapist specialising in paediatric eating disorders. DME trainer