My baby gags often. What is wrong and how do I prevent this?


Babies can gag, especially in the initial stage of eating solid foods. This occurs because the caregiver is putting too much on the spoon, the spoon is too far in or before even the baby has finished swallowing, another spoonful is being shoveled in. Sometimes gagging can also happen if the baby is not able to handle the texture - the food isn't pureed enough. Some babies are comfortable with slow feeds and need more time to get used to the texture and taste of the food. If baby doesn't enjoy the food, don't force. Try another day. Sometimes when we rush the feed babies can choke too. Once your baby is past the initial stage of eating, they can gag when starting on finger food. This can be prevented if you do not introduce your baby to finger foods too early (delay it till your baby is at least 8 or 9 months old), or the type of food given causes choking. A new food or unfamiliar food can cause a gag once in a while.