What Difference Between Choking and Gagging?

What Difference Between Choking and Gagging?

Most babies are surprisingly adept at managing finger foods, and research shows that babies who are fed following a baby-led weaning approach aren't more likely to choke than babies who are spoon-fed, as long as you know about how to minimize choking risk.

However, gagging is very common in the early days of eating. Gagging is a natural reflex that might cause watery eyes, coughing, or sputtering. Your baby will likely gag as they adjust to eating solids. In fact, gagging is a protective action that helps your baby not choke. Babies gag when they take a bottle, when they suck their fingers, and when they start solid foods.

Conversely, choking happens when food becomes stuck in the throat or windpipe, blocking airflow. If a baby is choking, they probably won't make sounds or effectively move air.

Choking is rare in babies, especially if you practice safe eating habits. This includes keeping your child seated upright in a high chair and serving them well-cooked food in appropriate sizes. Further safety tips to prevent choking include:

• Always staying with your baby while they eat
• Making sure your baby is sitting up when eating
• Serving foods that aren't too hard or uncooked
• Taking an infant first-aid class so you'll be prepared
• Not rushing to help your baby if they gag. Babies sense parents' panic and can develop negative associations with eating; instead, stay calm and give them time to work it out.