Why the Fear of Choking Is Normal — and What Helps

Real Talk About One of the Biggest BLW Worries (and How to Ease It)

You don’t need to be fearless to start solids. You just need to feel prepared.

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Let’s Get Real: Choking Is the #1 Fear

Even the most excited parents feel that knot in their stomach when starting solids:
“What if they choke?”
It’s normal. It’s human. And it doesn’t mean you’re not ready — it means you care.

If you’ve ever paused with food in hand because your mind spiraled into “what ifs,” you’re not alone. I’ve supported so many moms who were totally confident until their baby gagged once — and their heart practically stopped.

So let’s talk about it.

Fear ≠ Failure — It Means You Care

The fear of choking shows up in almost every parent I work with. And not because they’re doing anything wrong.

It’s because they love their baby.
They want them safe.
They’re invested.

That fear? It’s rooted in love. But when it takes over — when it paralyzes you, delays solids, or pushes you to ditch BLW altogether — it’s time to address it.

You don’t need to erase fear.
You need tools to move through it.

Knowledge Calms the Nervous System

Here’s the truth:
🧠 Fear + Uncertainty = Anxiety
📘 Fear + Information = Confidence

When you understand what’s truly dangerous (and what’s not), your nervous system starts to calm. That’s why I always recommend:

  • Learning the difference between gagging and choking

  • Watching real videos from trusted educators

  • Taking a baby CPR class — even if it feels scary at first

  • Writing down a simple emergency plan

One mom told me, “I avoided learning about choking because it made me panic. But after taking CPR, I feel so much calmer. I actually know what to do now.”

Avoidance feeds anxiety.
Education helps you breathe.

Safety Doesn’t Mean Zero Risk — It Means Preparation

No feeding method is 100% risk-free. Not purees. Not BLW.
But baby-led weaning can be safe when done with intention.

What helps?

  • ✅ Upright posture

  • ✅ Stable foot support

  • ✅ Soft, safe textures

  • ✅ Calm, present supervision

These aren’t “extras.” They’re the foundation of safe, supported feeding — and yes, you are absolutely capable of this.

5 Ways to Reduce Choking Fear Today

Let’s break this down into doable steps you can take right now:

1. Normalize the Fear

You’re not broken or failing. You’re a loving parent doing your best.

2. Take a Baby CPR Class

Online or in-person — this one step alone can shift your entire mindset.

3. Watch Gagging Videos

Knowing what to expect helps your body stay calm when it happens in real life.

(Inside my course, you’ll see real feeding videos with real babies — gagging included — so you know what’s normal.)

4. Set Up a Safe Feeding Space

High chair with 90° angles, food cut for easy grasp, and a calm, seated caregiver nearby.

5. Write a Simple Emergency Plan

It’s like insurance — hopefully, you never need it. But knowing it’s there helps your nervous system relax.

You Don’t Have to Be Perfect — Just Prepared

If you’re still feeling shaky, hear this:

You’re not falling behind. You’re building confidence, one meal at a time.
Trust grows with each bite — not overnight, but gradually, with every small win.

You’ve got this, Mama.
And I’ve got you. 💛

Let’s Take the Next Step — Together

If this episode helped ease your fear even just a little, send it to a friend who might need that same support.

And don’t miss next time — we’re going deeper into gagging: what’s normal, what’s not, and how to stay calm through it.

If this episode helped ease your fear even just a little, send it to a friend who might need that same support.

And if you’re craving real guidance — like what to serve, how to keep it safe, and how to actually feel calm while doing it — I’d love to invite you to Orientation Day.

It’s my free workshop that breaks down the myths, fears, and readiness signs behind baby-led weaning… with no fluff, no overwhelm, and a whole lot of reassurance.

✨ Come join us: babyledweaningacademy.com/od

Let’s turn that fear into confidence — together.