Starting Solids Safely

It’s normal for babies to gag when they are getting used to solid foods. It can be alarming for us as parents, but if they’re coughing and making noises, their airway is still open.

It’s comforting to remember that, with practice, babies do get the hang of eating - but following a few simple steps will help to keep them safe as they start out:

✓ Always stay with babies when they are eating                                  

✓ Avoid nuts, sweets and chunks of food that could be swallowed whole but are big enough to get stuck in the baby’s airway

✓ Soften hard fruits and vegetables by cooking

✓ Avoid sticky foods such as marshmallows or chewy foods such as sausages or untoasted bread

✓ Offer food as sticks rather than rounds or chunks and cut small fruit such as cherry tomatoes and grapes lengthways into halves or quarters

✓ Wash finger foods thoroughly

✓ Cool food until lukewarm before giving it to your baby

✓ Strap your baby in if using a highchair

Although it’s rare for a baby to choke, it’s also a good idea to be prepared. The British Red Cross have produced a helpful video showing how to tell when your baby is choking and what you should do.