Here’s What a Gagging Baby Looks Like (So You Don’t Freak Out)

Introducing your baby to solid foods is an exciting time. You get to see what they like and dislike, and experience a whole world of new tastes with them. Except for that part where you’re constantly terrified that they’re going to choke on something. Every tiny cough or noise while eating can send a parent’s blood pressure through the roof, which is why a mom (who is also a former paramedic) made a super helpful TikTok video to show parents the difference between gagging and choking in an infant.

Nikki Jurcutz is pretty well known for her videos, where she educates parents on foods that are sneaky choking risks and how to prepare foods to make them safer for littles to eat. And one of her newer videos, showing what a gagging baby looks like, is going to save a lot of parents from panic thinking their little one is choking.

@tinyheartseducation

Replying to @sarahbeth929 If your child is doing this, DO NOT do backblows! 🚫 This is a classic example of what gagging looks like. The treatment for a gagging child? Sit and watch! Backblows are only to be performed if your child is choking. Remember: If retching, crying or has a cough – keep hands off! If silent, panicked and unable to yelp – it’s time to help! #introducingsolids #startingsolids #babyledweaning #fingerfoods #newparents

♬ original sound – Tiny Hearts

Alongside the video, Jurcutz wrote, “If your child is doing this, DO NOT do backblows. This is a classic example of what gagging looks like. The treatment for a gagging child? Sit back and watch.”

According to Jurcutz, “Gagging is a normal protective reflex” that stops food from going into the baby’s airway—in other words, it actually prevents choking. Gagging is a good thing, and if it happens to your child, you need to just let it happen.

When you need to step in and help, Jurcutz says, is if your baby is panicked and unable to make any noise. Those are signs of actual choking. But if you hear crying, coughing, or retching, your baby is fine! It can be scary, but the best thing to do is just let it pass.