Gagging is a normal reflex babies have as they learn to eat and swallow.
Why your baby gags
We all have a ‘gag’ reflex. This is a response that helps prevent choking.
Gagging is a sign that your baby is protecting their airway and clearing food from the back of their mouth.
Gagging brings food forward into your baby’s mouth. They can then chew it more or try to swallow a smaller amount.
Gagging usually causes a noise, while choking can be silent.
Important
Stay with your child when they are eating. Put them in a high chair or at the table. They are more likely to choke if they are moving around.
How long gagging lasts
Gagging is not choking but it can be scary for parents when it happens. You might feel like you should stop giving lumpier textures to your baby.
But your baby will gag less over time if you give them new and different textures.
Gagging will last if your baby stays on soft, smooth, lump-free purée.