Why does my newborn keep acting like hes choking?

Understanding Choking in Newborns
It’s not uncommon for parents to feel alarmed when their newborn exhibits signs that resemble choking. This behavior can be distressing, but understanding the underlying causes can help alleviate concerns.
What is Choking?
Choking occurs when an object, such as food or a toy, obstructs the airway, preventing normal breathing. In infants, this can happen quite easily due to their developmental stage and the way they explore their environment. However, it’s essential to differentiate between actual choking and gagging, which is a normal reflex that helps prevent choking by expelling food or liquid from the throat.
Common Causes of Choking-Like Behavior
1. Gag Reflex: Newborns have a strong gag reflex, which is a protective mechanism. When they swallow too quickly or if something touches the back of their throat, they may gag, which can look similar to choking. This reflex is crucial for their safety as it helps prevent food or liquid from entering the airway.
2. Feeding Issues: Babies often choke on liquids, especially if they are feeding too quickly or if the milk is curdled. Keeping the baby’s head lower than their bottom during feeding can help gravity assist in draining any excess liquid. If a baby is bottle-fed, ensure that the nipple flow is appropriate for their age to prevent overwhelming them.
3. Mucus Buildup: Newborns can produce a significant amount of mucus, which can lead to coughing or gagging as they try to clear their airways. This is particularly common during colds or respiratory infections.
4. Teething: As babies begin to teeth, they may put various objects in their mouths, increasing the risk of gagging or choking. Parents should be vigilant about what toys or items are accessible to their infants.
When to Seek Help
While occasional gagging is normal, there are specific signs that indicate a more serious choking situation. If your baby is unable to cough, breathe, or make any sounds, or if they turn blue, immediate action is required. In such cases, knowing basic first aid for choking can be lifesaving.
Conclusion
If your newborn frequently appears to be choking, it’s essential to observe the context and frequency of these episodes. While many instances are benign and part of normal development, staying informed and prepared can help you respond effectively. If you have ongoing concerns, consulting with a pediatrician can provide peace of mind and guidance tailored to your baby’s needs.

Why does my baby keep making gasping noises?

Laryngomalacia is a common cause of noisy breathing in infants. It happens when a baby’s larynx (or voice box) is soft and floppy. When the baby takes a breath, the part of the larynx above the vocal cords falls in and temporarily blocks the baby’s airway.

Why does my baby choke and stop breathing?

Newborn babies can choke on things like curdled milk, mucus or vomit. As they get older, they move on to solids and explore by putting things into their mouth. This means food or small toys can easily get stuck in their throat, stopping them from breathing.

Why does my newborn keep choking when lying down?

Newborns may gag in their sleep due to: Saliva: It’s normal for babies to cough or gag on their spit from time to time. Being sick: When your baby is sick, they may have thicker mucus or spit than normal, which may make them gag in their sleep.

Why does my newborn keep acting like he’s choking?

A baby’s gag reflex can be triggered by too much mucus, so they may appear to choke if there are excess secretions in their mouth. Sometimes babies even spit up or vomit after coughing to clear the mouth and nose of excess mucus.

Why does my baby sound like he’s gasping for air when lying down?

If your baby gasps in their sleep, it may be because their breathing was paused and they gasp for air a bit once they start breathing again.

Why does my baby pretend to choke?

Toddlers gagging themselves is a fairly common thing that falls under the category of “wacky toddler behaviors.” Most often, when toddlers do this, it’s simply them exploring all the weird and wonderful things their bodies can do.

Why does my newborn make a weird gasping sound?

Laryngomalacia is a common cause of noisy breathing in infants. It happens when a baby’s larynx (or voice box) is soft and floppy. When the baby takes a breath, the part of the larynx above the vocal cords falls in and temporarily blocks the baby’s airway.

Why do newborns look like they are choking?

Hamilton says babies are born with an exaggerated but protective “hyper-gag reflex,” which can cause gagging while feeding.

Can silent reflux cause choking in babies?

Most infants outgrow reflux by 18 months of age. However, if your child has GERD, they may experience respiratory symptoms including coughing and choking. They might even breathe in their own gastric contents. And those symptoms and side effects can last well past their second birthday.

Why is my newborn choking on nothing?

“Difficulty handling breast milk, formula or saliva are common causes of choking in young infants, but babies can also choke on mucus from nasal secretions that drip down the back of their throats during a respiratory illness, for example,” Casares explains.