Choking prevention basics.

• Always seated upright in a high chair — never eating while reclined, crawling, walking, or in a car seat
• An adult watching, every bite, every meal
• High-risk shapes and textures: firm, round, rubbery, slippery, small, springy, sticky, or tapered foods need modifying or avoiding
• Cook hard foods soft (squishable between your fingers), cut round foods lengthwise, thin all sticky pastes
• Gagging (noisy, red-faced, working it forward) is a normal protective reflex; choking (silent, unable to cough or cry) is an emergency — consider an infant first-aid course before starting solids

Not sure whether what you're seeing is gagging or choking? Read gagging vs. choking in babies on the blog. For per-food prep by age, see how to serve first foods, by age.

Miriel does not teach first aid. For infant choking first-aid training, see the Red Cross first-aid courses. If your child is choking, call your local emergency number immediately.

Sources

Every recommendation shows its source. We cite our sources so you can check them.

• — CDC — Choking Hazards
• — USDA WIC — Reducing the Risk of Choking in Young Children