choking on solids and vomiting

[chaddy83]

my 7 month old dd is choking on solids and vomiting. she has choked 3 times today. first time mum. she does this everytime i give her solids

[the pero clinic]

Dear Chaddy,

It is typical for bubs to experience some gagging and occasional coughing when learning to swallow solids – regular vomiting and choking, on the other hand, should not be occurring.

From your question it really isn’t clear what type of solids you are trying (such as smooth purees, thick purees or lumpy purees) or how her bottle or breastfeeding is going. If you are happy with the way she is managing her milk feeds, and she is not coughing or choking with these, then it may be a matter of very slowly and carefully introducing solids.

Start by offering your bub a small, soft plastic spoon with nothing on it. Allow her time to feel this in her mouth and against her lips. Once she can comfortably tolerate this, place only a tiny amount of a bland puree on the spoon to offer a taste. Gradually increase the amount of puree on the spoon as she becomes accustomed to puree on the spoon.

Your little girl may find runny purees easier to begin with. Rice cereal is a good place to start as you can quickly and easily alter the thickness of the mixture.

If you are also concerned with her swallowing of fluids, then I would strongly encourage you to seek further medical advice. Similarly, if your bub continues to choke with solids, please see your doctor, CHN or a paediatric feeding specialist.

the pero clinic