How to Do the Heimlich Maneuver on a Toddler

The Heimlich maneuver is used when a person is choking on an object lodged in the throat. Performing this maneuver on a child smaller than the average 3-year-old has specific rules. Normally, the method requires pressure on the diaphragm, located just below the lungs. Pushing on a young child's diaphragm isn't always successful, since the area is smaller and harder to find. To conduct the maneuver on a toddler, measures in addition to the diaphragm thrusts are necessary.

Instructions

    • 1

      Instruct another responsible person to call 9-1-1, the American emergency number. If you are the only adult present, care for the child first, then call 9-1-1 as soon as possible.

    • 2

      Assess the situation. If the toddler can breathe, talk or cough, do nothing. These are the signs of the body attempting to naturally eject the blockage. Attempting to dislodge the object at this stage may push it further into the throat.

    • 3

      Stand behind the child if she cannot breathe, speak or cough. Lean the child forward slightly, holding her with your forearm diagonally across her chest.

    • 4

      Use the palm of your hand to give her five back blows. This method seems harsh, but it is necessary. Hit the child between the shoulder blades with the heel of your palm.

    • 5

      Stand the child up and place your hand in a fist just above his belly button. Grab your fist with your other hand and thrust in and up. This thrust is meant to push the air up through the lungs and apply pressure to the food, dislodging it from the throat. Repeat these thrusts five times.

    • 6

      Repeat the back blows, alternating with the diaphragm thrusts, until the child begins to cough, cry or breathe. When this happens, let go of the child and watch her. She may expel the food at this point.

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