Differences between Gagging and Choking
The number one concern of parents and caregivers who are going through weaning with their babies is choking. However, choking often gets confused with gagging, and overreaction to a baby’s healthy gagging may scare the child as he/she can sense the adult’s emotions and develop negative feelings towards eating.
|
Gagging |
Choking |
|
| What happens to cause the reaction | Solid food touches the part of the baby’s tongue/early portion of the throat which triggers the gag reflex | Solid food is lodged in between the baby’s airways and blocking it |
| Why the reaction happens | Gagging is the way the baby’s body prevents him/herself from choking | The baby’s body is unable to breathe |
| Key signs of reaction | Makes gagging noises and thrusts tongue forward;
Spluttering or coughing; Face gets pink or red |
Unable to make much noise;
Attempts to cough; Face turns white or blue; Baby may faint |