31/12/2021
π² Have you heard of the gag reflex? π²
Weβre born with it and itβs totally natural, and automatic. Ever accidentally breathed in when you were swallowing? That coughing and spluttering is your gag reflex and in babies itβs at its strongest. Gagging is a safety response and when you see your baby gagging, itβs because theyβre actually solving the problem β theyβre moving that piece of food away from their windpipe.
A lot of us get confused, and often mistake the signs of gagging - coughing, spluttering, red in the face, making lots of noise - for choking, when in fact gagging is a very healthy reflex. In fact, its how we learn NOT to choke!
Whilst gagging is very dramatic, choking is for the most part silent. Thatβs why itβs so important not to leave little ones alone when theyβre eating, because that gagging could potentially turn into choking.
βοΈ So, remember... βοΈ
βLoud and red, let them go ahead.
Silent and blue, they need help from you!β