A small toy part, a single grape, or a mouthful of food... In young children, a foreign body going into the airway is a fast-developing, life-threatening emergency. Knowing the right maneuver makes a difference within seconds. In this guide you will find separate first aid steps for babies and older children.

First, Assess the Situation

  • If the airway is partially open (the child is coughing, crying or making sounds): Do not intervene, let them cough, and stay with them.
  • If the airway is blocked (no sound, unable to cough, turning blue): Start the maneuvers below immediately and call 112.

First Aid for Babies (Under 1 Year)

  1. Lay the baby face-down along your arm/thigh, with the head lower than the body.
  2. Give 5 back blows between the two shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
  3. If it does not come out, turn the baby face-up and give 5 compressions to the center of the chest with two fingers.
  4. Repeat the cycle of 5 back blows + 5 chest compressions until the object comes out or help arrives.

Heimlich Maneuver for Older Children (Over 1 Year)

  1. Stand behind the child and wrap your arms around their waist.
  2. Make a fist with one hand and place it between the navel and the rib cage, grasping it with your other hand.
  3. Give quick inward and upward thrusts; repeat until the object comes out.

If the child loses consciousness, lay them on the ground, begin basic life support (chest compressions) and follow the 112 dispatcher's instructions.

Important Warning

Even if the object comes out, the child must be evaluated by a doctor after a foreign body has entered the airway; part of the object may remain in the lung. For recurrent coughing and wheezing, our article on recurrent wheezing episodes may be helpful.

Prevention

  • Do not give nuts, grapes, sausage, hard candy or popcorn until age 4 (or cut them into small pieces).
  • Keep small toy parts, batteries and magnets out of reach.
  • Have the child eat while sitting and calmly; eating while running or laughing is risky.

📅 Book an appointment for your child's health

This content is for informational purposes only; in case of choking, call 112 immediately. Taking a first aid course is recommended. — Uzm. Dr. Hasan Keleş