A feeding approach where babies self-feed soft finger foods instead of being spoon-fed purees. It's great for development, but it requires extra attention to choking risks. Learn the difference between gagging (normal, noisy) and choking (silent, dangerous), and take an infant CPR class first.
Related Terms
Preparing and serving food in ways that prevent choking and allergic reactions in babies and toddlers. Cut foods into small pieces, avoid hard and round shapes, and introduce allergens one at a time. Learn infant CPR before you start solids.
Any small object, food, or toy part that can block a child's airway. Kids under 3 are at the highest risk because they explore everything by putting it in their mouths. A quick rule of thumb: if it fits through a toilet paper roll, it's a choking hazard.
The technique for clearing an airway obstruction, but it's different for infants. For babies under 1, you alternate 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts. For children over 1, use abdominal thrusts like the adult version but with less force. If the child goes unconscious, start CPR.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation for infants and children differs from adult CPR. For babies, you use two fingers on the breastbone instead of full hands, and gentle rescue breaths covering both the nose and mouth. Every parent and caregiver should take an infant CPR class before the baby arrives.