If a baby is choking and cannot cry, cough, or breathe, call your local emergency number now (911 in the US) — then begin first aid.
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For babies under 1 year

Infant Choking: Step by Step

Babies need a gentler, different technique than adults and children. Their airway, ribs, and organs are more delicate, so the approach uses back blows and chest thrusts — never abdominal thrusts.

Never perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) on an infant.

An infant's abdominal organs can be seriously injured by thrusts meant for adults. Use back blows and chest thrusts only, as described below.

First: check if it's a true blockage.

If the baby is coughing forcefully, crying, or making sounds, their airway isn't fully blocked. Stay close and let them try to clear it themselves. Only begin these steps if they cannot cough, cry, or breathe, or their lips or face start turning blue.

  1. Call for help

    Have someone call your local emergency number right away. If you're alone, begin first aid immediately and call as soon as you can, or put the call on speakerphone while you work.

  2. Position the baby face-down along your forearm

    Sit or kneel. Lay the baby face-down along your forearm, supporting their jaw and head with your hand — head lower than the chest. Rest your forearm on your thigh for support.

  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 distinct and aimed at dislodging the object.

  4. Turn the baby face-up for 5 chest thrusts

    Turn the baby face-up along your other forearm, head still lower than the chest, supporting the head and neck. Place two fingers on the center of the breastbone, just below the nipple line, and give 5 quick, firm downward thrusts — about 1.5 inches deep.

  5. Repeat the cycle

    Alternate 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts. Check the mouth between cycles — if you can see the object, remove it with a finger; do not do a blind finger sweep.

  6. After the object comes out

    Even if the baby seems fine afterward, have them checked by a doctor — thrusts can occasionally cause injury and airway irritation can develop later.

Make sure emergency services are already on the way.

If no one has called yet, call now — speakerphone if you're alone.

  1. Lay the baby on a firm, flat surface

    Place them on their back on a table or the floor, supporting the head as you lower them.

  2. Begin infant CPR, starting with chest compressions

    Using two fingers on the center of the breastbone, give 30 gentle but firm compressions, about 1.5 inches deep, at a fast steady pace.

  3. Open the airway and check the mouth

    Tilt the head back gently (not too far) and lift the chin. If you can see the object, remove it. Do not do a blind finger sweep.

  4. Give 2 gentle rescue breaths, then continue

    If trained, cover the baby's mouth and nose with your mouth and give 2 small, gentle puffs of air. Continue cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths, checking the mouth periodically, until help arrives or the baby responds.

This is a simplified overview. Infant CPR technique differs meaningfully from adult and child CPR. An accredited infant CPR course is strongly recommended for parents and caregivers — see our resources page.

Do & Don't for infants

Do

  • Keep the baby's head lower than their chest throughout
  • Support the head and neck firmly at all times
  • Use back blows and chest thrusts only
  • Get medical follow-up after any choking episode

Don't

  • Never use abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver) on an infant
  • Don't do a blind finger sweep of the mouth
  • Don't shake the baby
  • Don't hold off calling for help while you work — call immediately

Prevent it before it happens

Most infant choking involves small foods, toy parts, or household objects. See what to watch for.

See prevention tips