When giving back blows to an infant, you should hold the baby face down along your forearm, with your forearm resting on your thigh or lap for support. The infant’s head should be lower than the rest of the body, and you should support the chest and jaw while keeping the neck steady.
This head-down, face-down position allows gravity to help loosen the object blocking the airway. With the infant securely supported, you deliver up to five firm back blows between the shoulder blades using the heel of your hand. Supporting the jaw helps keep the airway aligned without pressing on the soft tissues of the neck.
If the object does not come out after back blows, the infant is then turned face up, still with the head lower than the body, for chest thrusts. These steps are repeated as needed until the blockage is cleared or the infant becomes unresponsive.
If you are unsure about the technique, taking a certified infant CPR and first aid class is strongly recommended. In any severe choking emergency, call 911 right away.