Gag reflex is an automatic response that helps prevent choking. Your newborn also has a reflex that causes him to thrust his tongue forward whenever the back of his throat is stimulated. This can make early feeding a little bit difficult. However gagging in babies in not uncommon.

Why do babies gag ?

Babies gag for the following reasons :

• Baby eating more than he wants to
• Baby having too much food in his mouth
• Some babies gag on their own fingers until they figure out how far they can put  things in their mouth
• Some babies also gag on formula or breastmilk until they  get the rhythm of sucking down especially if it  flowing too quickly for them

It is normal for babies to gag as they learn to eat solids.  It brings the food forward into the baby’s mouth so that he can chew it some more or try to swallow a smaller amount. As your baby develops and learns to regulate the amount of food he swallows, he will gag less often.

How do i know if my child is gaging or choking ?

Choking : It means the child’s airway is partially or completely blocked which results  in difficulty breathing. A child who is choking

• is unable to cry, cough or gasp
• may make odd noises or no sound at all while opening his mouth
• may need back blows or chest thrust to dislodge the blockage

Gagging : A child who is gaging may push his tongue forward or out of his mouth. He may do a retching movement to try to bring the food forward. His eyes may water. He may cough or even vomit. You should let the child gag or continue to cough because that is the most effective way to resolve the issue.

How can i minimize gaging in my child ?

You can reduce your child’s risk of gaging by doing the following :

• try to get your baby to relax during feeding. Don’t push him to eat more than he can
• If your baby is bottle fed, make sure the hole in the nipple is the right size. If it’s too large, too much milk comes in all at once
• Make sure your baby is ready for solids before you introduce them. The child should be at least 4 to 6 months and and sit upright with support.
• Start by putting a small amount of food at the tip of the spoon and put the food on the front of his tongue rather than giving him a spoon full of food in his mouth.
• Feed your baby slowly

After a while, your baby’s gagging will get better. If your baby continues to gag on pureed foods, contact his doctor.