The gag reflex is a protective reflex that pushes food that is too large or too far back towards the front of the mouth. Gagging is common and normal when babies start solids, and it usually becomes less frequent as they learn to manage food.
How is gagging different from choking?
A gagging baby may cough, retch, make noise and go red in the face, and usually clears the food themselves. A choking baby may be silent, unable to cough or cry, and may turn blue; this is an emergency.
What you can do
- Stay calm and let your baby work the food forward.
- Make sure your baby sits upright and is always supervised while eating.
When to talk to your doctor
If your baby cannot cough, cry or breathe, they may be choking: start baby choking first aid and call your local emergency number.
