Evie Summers
Gagging in newborns is a common occurrence and is usually not something to worry about. It is often a natural part of the learning process as they transition to solid foods and is their body's way of preventing choking. However, if your baby is gagging frequently and for no apparent reason, it could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and you should consider seeking medical advice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is it normal for newborns to gag in their sleep? | Occasional gagging is normal for newborns, and it is a natural part of the learning process. |
| Reasons for gagging | Newborns may gag due to various reasons, such as reflux, excessive saliva production, tongue-tie, teething, or the flow of milk or formula being too quick. |
| Difference between gagging and choking | Gagging is a protective reflex that prevents choking. Gagging produces loud noises and does not block the airway, while choking is a medical emergency where the airway is partially or completely blocked. |
| What to do if your baby is gagging | It is important to let the baby's body get rid of the object on its own. Do not place your fingers or any other object in their mouth. Sit them up to avoid choking. |
| When to worry | Frequent or excessive gagging may indicate gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Other signs of concern include irritability, refusing to eat, or vomiting. |
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What You'll Learn
Gagging is a normal reflex to prevent choking
Gagging is a normal reflex for newborns and young babies as they learn to feed and develop an understanding of textures and tastes. The gag reflex is triggered when an object touches a sensitive area at the back of the throat, stimulating an automatic muscle contraction that pushes the object out of the mouth. This protective reflex prevents choking by stopping food or any other object from entering the windpipe.
Gagging is a common occurrence when babies are first introduced to solid foods and is likely to lessen as they get older and their gag reflex moves to the back of the mouth. It is important to allow your baby to work through the gagging on their own, but keep a close eye on them to ensure they are not choking. Choking occurs when the airway is partially or completely blocked, and the baby is unable to cough or cry. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate baby CPR and a call to emergency services.
Babies may also gag due to reflux, which can cause them to spit up more often. Keeping your baby upright during and after feeding can help reduce reflux symptoms and minimise the chances of gagging during sleep. It is recommended to seek medical advice if you have concerns about your baby's gagging, particularly if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as irritability, refusing to eat, or vomiting.
While gagging is a normal part of a baby's development, excessive or constant gagging may indicate underlying issues. For example, it could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) or sensory issues with certain food textures. If your baby gags frequently on a specific type of food, they may develop an aversion to that food. Therefore, it is important to monitor your baby's gagging and seek professional advice if you have any concerns.
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Reflux and GERD can cause gagging
Occasional gagging is normal in newborns, especially as they learn to eat solids. However, frequent gagging may be a cause for concern. Reflux and GERD can cause gagging in newborns, and it is important to understand these conditions to ensure your baby's safety.
Reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux (GER), occurs when a baby brings up milk or becomes sick during or shortly after feeding. This happens because a baby's food pipe (oesophagus) has not fully developed, allowing milk to come back up easily. Reflux usually starts before a baby is 8 weeks old and typically improves by the time they turn 1. While reflux is common in babies under 2 years old, it is still important to monitor your baby's condition and seek medical advice if you have any concerns.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more serious and long-term condition where reflux leads to continued symptoms or complications. If your baby has GERD, you may notice signs such as abdominal discomfort, frequent coughing, and gagging. It is important to seek medical care for an exact diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
To reduce reflux symptoms and prevent gagging during sleep, it is recommended to keep your baby upright for about 30 minutes after feeding. This helps to reduce the likelihood of spit-up and gagging. Additionally, elevating your baby's head is generally not recommended as it may not effectively prevent reflux and could potentially cause your baby to roll into an unsafe position.
It is important to understand the difference between gagging and choking. Gagging is a protective reflex that prevents choking, while choking is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Gagging can occur with or without something in the baby's mouth, and it helps bring food forward in the mouth to facilitate chewing. Choking, on the other hand, indicates a partial or complete blockage of the airway, which can be life-threatening.
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Saliva and mucus can cause gagging
Gagging is a normal protective reflex that helps prevent choking. It is common for newborns to gag when they are learning to eat solids, and it may be more frequent when they first start solids and lessen as they get older. The gag reflex is triggered by the stimulation of sensitive areas in the mouth and throat, and it causes an automatic muscle contraction that pushes any objects in the opposite direction, out of the mouth. This reflex is important to prevent choking, as it stops food or any other objects from entering the windpipe and gives the baby an opportunity to chew their food better.
Occasional gagging is normal in newborns, and it is a part of the learning process as they explore new tastes, textures, and temperatures. However, frequent gagging may indicate a problem such as gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GER is common in babies under 2 years old, while GERD is a more long-term and serious condition that can lead to continued symptoms or complications. If you notice constant gagging for no apparent reason, it is important to monitor your baby closely and seek medical advice if you have concerns.
To help prevent gagging, it is recommended to keep small objects out of your baby's reach to avoid them putting things in their mouth. When feeding, it is important to allow your baby to eat at their own pace and not force them to eat more than they want. Feeding in an upright position can also help slow the flow of milk or formula and reduce the risk of gagging.
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How to differentiate between gagging and choking
It is normal for newborns to gag in their sleep. This may be due to gastroesophageal reflux (GER), a common condition in babies under 2 years old. Other causes of gagging in newborns include:
- Being sick, which causes thicker mucus or spit that may trigger the gag reflex.
- Overfeeding or being too full during bottle-feeding or breastfeeding.
- Tongue-tie, which can trigger the gag reflex even when the baby is being fed slowly.
- Excessive saliva production during the teething phase.
Gagging and choking are not the same, and it is crucial to differentiate between the two as choking requires immediate attention and is a medical emergency. Gagging is a protective reflex that prevents choking, while choking occurs when the airway is blocked, and the baby is unable to breathe or dislodge the item causing the blockage. Here are some key differences between gagging and choking:
- Gagging is often accompanied by coughing, gurgling, sputtering, and other loud noises as the baby attempts to expel the object from their mouth. In contrast, choking is typically silent because the airway is blocked, and the baby may be unable to make any noise.
- During gagging, the baby's face may turn red, and their eyes may begin to water. In contrast, choking may cause the baby's skin, especially around the lips, to turn blue, purple, or bluish.
- Gagging allows the baby to still breathe and actively work to spit out or swallow the food or object. Choking occurs when the airway is completely blocked, and the baby is unable to breathe or dislodge the item causing the blockage.
- Gagging can occur with or without something in the baby's mouth. It can be triggered by the introduction of new or unfamiliar foods, certain food textures, or even the sight of disliked foods. Choking, on the other hand, occurs when an object or food has entered the upper airways and needs to be removed immediately.
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What to do if your baby is choking
It is normal for newborns to gag in their sleep. This may be due to gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which is common in babies under 2 years old. Other causes of gagging include:
- Being sick, which may cause thicker mucus or spit
- Tongue tie
- Excessive saliva production during the teething phase
- Poorly developed oromotor skills
- Overfeeding
- Sensory issues with food
Gagging is a protective reflex that prevents choking. However, choking is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. If your baby is choking, here are the steps you should take:
- Encourage Coughing: If your baby is coughing forcefully or has a strong cry, you should not intervene. Strong coughs and cries can help dislodge the blockage.
- Back Blows: If your baby is not coughing or crying, you should begin emergency procedures. First, lay the infant face down along your forearm, with their head pointing downward and lower than their body. Use your thigh or lap for support. Give up to 5 quick, forceful blows between the infant's shoulder blades using the palm of your free hand.
- Chest Thrusts: If the blockage is not dislodged after 5 back blows, turn the infant face-up. Supporting their head and neck, place them on your thigh so that their head is lower than their chest. Place two fingers in the middle of the chest just below the nipple line and give up to 5 sharp chest compressions.
- Repeat: Continue alternating between 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts until the blockage is dislodged or the infant loses consciousness.
- CPR: If the infant loses alertness, begin CPR and call 911 or your local emergency number.
- Remove Object: If you can see the object blocking the airway and can safely reach it with your fingertips, you can try to remove it. However, do not put your fingers in the infant's mouth if you cannot see the object, as you may accidentally push it further into their throat.
- Call for Help: If the infant is still choking after performing the above steps, call 911 or your local emergency number and continue the cycle of back blows and chest thrusts until help arrives.
It is important to remain calm and act quickly if your baby is choking. Knowing what to do in this situation can help you effectively respond to a choking emergency and potentially save your baby's life.
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Frequently asked questions
Occasional gagging is normal for newborns, especially when they are learning to eat solids. It is a protective reflex that prevents choking. However, frequent gagging may indicate gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
If your baby is gagging, it is important to let their body get rid of the object on its own. Do not place your fingers or any other object in their mouth as you may accidentally push the object further into their throat. Sitting them up can help avoid choking.
Keeping your baby upright for about 30 minutes after feeding can help reduce reflux symptoms and make them less prone to gag during sleep. If your baby is breastfeeding, you can also try nursing in a side-lying position to slow the milk flow.
