Mum’s warning after son nearly chokes on everyday food item

A US mum has issued a warning to parents after her nine-month-old son nearly choked on an everyday food item that most kids love.

This mum’s speedy reaction saved her baby from choking.

She noticed he was struggling to breathe as the pair sat down to enjoy their lunch.

Christina Stachura, an emergency room and trauma nurse in Michigan, US, jumped into action when she realised what was happening to her son, Jack, The Sun reports.

Her son, Jack, had only just returned home from a stay in hospital when the incident occurred.

He had stayed in hospital due to Covid-related pneumonia and dehydration, but not long after they got home and settled down to have some lunch, Jack started choking.

“He was eating some eggs and thinly-sliced apple when I saw him gagging,” Ms Stachura, 30, said.

“We do some baby-led weaning, so gagging and coughing can be normal.

“Of course as any mother would be, I was nervous and watching him but I also stayed calm so he wouldn’t panic.”

A mum’s speedy reaction has saved her nine-month-old son, after he choked on a common food item. Picture: SWNS/Mega

It was once Jack had silent tears and began waving his arms by his throat that his mum intervened.

Quickly removing his bib, she put him on her lap facedown and slapped his back firmly five times to help remove the piece of apple.

It wasn’t until she saw the apple fly out of her son’s mouth that she knew he would be OK.

“Initially I felt a little guilty – I didn’t know that apples were a common choking hazard,” she said.

“But I think it’s important not to shame ourselves or others.

“Parents are always going to make some mistakes but we can constantly learn from them too.

“Most of the reactions have been so positive and supportive, but there have been a couple of people who think I overreacted.

“Babies and toddlers are constantly exploring and putting things in their mouths and it’s a parent’s job to protect them. When in doubt, always trust your instinct and take action – a few back slaps won’t hurt them.”

She shared her experience so that she could help other parents. Picture: iStock

Ms Stachura shared the clip online in the hope that other parents will take note and learn the signs of choking in children, and take first-aid courses.

“Firstly, you should always be with your baby when they’re eating,” she said.

“It’s very important to know the differences between gagging and choking and how food should be prepared – talk with your paediatrician and get good recommendations.

“I work in the emergency department and have proper training, which was essential in saving Jack from choking.

“There are plenty of resources available for people to get first aid and CPR-trained.

“It’s also vital to renew your training yearly – being as prepared as possible could literally save someone’s life one day.”

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission