Gagging vs. Choking: What Every Parent Needs to Know with Nicole from Rhythm First Aid

Is there anything more terrifying than the thought of your baby choking? If you’ve ever hesitated to serve finger foods because you’re scared of choking, you’re not alone.

In this week’s episode, we chat with Nicole from Rhythm First Aid, a paediatric emergency nurse and first aid educator, to break down the difference between gagging and choking, how to prevent choking, and—most importantly—what to do in an emergency.

For those who are tuning in for the first time, a little about us…

• Luka McCabe – founder of Boob to Food, author of Milk to Meals, registered nurse and midwife, as well as mum of 3
• Kate Holm – naturopath, nutritionist, mum of three, bringing grounded, evidence-based insight to the world of infant and family health

In this episode, we discuss:

• The key differences between gagging and choking
• Why gagging is a normal (and protective!) reflex
• The physical signs of choking and what to do if it happens
• Common choking hazards and how to modify foods safely
• Practical ways to reduce choking risks at home
• The step-by-step approach to choking first aid

Want to feel confident in first aid for your little one? Nicole and her team at Rhythm First Aid run in-person courses in Victoria and offer online masterclasses to help parents and caregivers feel prepared—not panicked in an emergency.

Check out her resources, courses, and more on her WEBSITE or INSTAGRAM

Here are some other episodes and resources you might find helpful:

• PODCAST: Safe food sizes and textures for babies
• PODCAST: Choosing the right feeding approach for your baby

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