Babies are naturally curious, so it’s common for them to pop objects into their mouths.
“Mouthing” is a normal part of their development and can be beneficial to their health. Unfortunately, babies are at higher risk than adults of choking since their airway is smaller.
When one is found in such a situation it is often life-threatening and is distressing which therefore causes you to panic. According to the Australian paramedic who shared a video on Instagram where she states and demonstrates the danger of inserting a finger into a child’s throat.
The Australian demonstrated using a transparent tube and a tomato to demonstrate why this is a bad idea, the paramedic Nikki Jurcutz on Instagram explains:
“This tube is the size of a child’s airway. If your little one has a complete obstruction, no air can get in or out. Getting it out with your fingers could push it down further.”
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Nikki, who is also the CEO of the parenting organisation Tiny Hearts Education, advises people to focus on using the palm of their hand to do just a few taps on the tube. These ‘back blows’ and ‘chest thrusts’ will remove any blockages from a child’s throat.
“Back blows and chest thrusts are your only option and are very effective when done correctly,” she says.
According to the British Red Cross it also cautions against holding a child upside down by their feet if they’re choking, as tipping them upside down may move the object further down their throat and could also cause further injury if you happen to drop them.
