A New Beginning

Caring For Your Baby

If Baby Gags or Chokes

WHAT TO DO IF BABY GAGS OR SPITS • Only use a bulb syringe when necessary. Overuse can lead to nasal swelling. • Hold your baby upright and leaning slightly forward and gently pat their back. • If you are unable to hold your baby, turn them on their side and gently pat their back. • Use the bulb syringe to help clear the excess mucus or fluid. • If gagging continues, put your baby on your lap or forearm with their tummy down and their head lower than their body. Firmly pat their back while keeping a secure hold on their chest and shoulders to support their head. • Tell your baby’s nurse if you had to use the bulb syringe.

For the first few days of life, your baby may have excess mucus that may cause them to gag or choke. A bulb syringe is kept with your baby in their crib to remove fluid from their mouth or nose in case of spit-ups or runny noses. Make sure you know where to find it and how to use it.

HOW TO USE A BULB SYRINGE

Place it about ¼ to ½ inch inside • Always squeeze the bulb syringe before inserting it into your baby’s mouth or nose to create a vacuum.

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the baby’s nostril or inside the cheek. • Turn baby’s head to the side and gently suction the mucus out of the lower cheek area. Do not suction the back of the throat; it will make baby gag. • Release the bulb to suction out mucus. • Remove the syringe and squeeze the bulb forcefully to expel the mucus into a tissue. • Wipe the syringe and repeat the process, if needed. • Clean by squeezing and releasing in soapy warm water.

Newborn Resources

Ambulance, Fire and Police 911 Georgia Poison Control 404.616.9000 or 800.222.1222 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (24 hr. nurse) 404.785.KIDS (5437)

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Chapter 8: Caring for Your Baby