Understanding the Gag Reflex and Why Babies Gag on Food with Dawn Winkelmann, MS, CCC-SLP
- Why babies gag on food and what’s happening inside their mouth when they are gagging
- How to react when your baby gags on food so that you don’t increase the risk of choking
- When gagging starts to subside in both frequency and intensity…and why gagging is a good thing!
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Episode Description
The gag reflex is a natural and necessary part of your baby’s feeding development, but it can be a source of anxiety for parents starting solid foods. In this episode, Dawn Winkelmann, MS, CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist and pediatric feeding expert, breaks down what the gag reflex is, why babies gag on food, and how to distinguish between gagging and choking. Learn practical strategies to support your baby through this phase and build confidence in their ability to learn to safely eat real food.
About the Guest
- Dawn Winkelmann is a pediatric feeding and swallowing expert
- She is the product designer for ezpz and she makes developmental feeding gear for babies
Other Episodes Related to this Topic
- Episode 4 - Gagging vs. Choking: What is the Difference?
- Episode 238 - 5 Choking Prevention Tips with Brandon Doerksen
Links from this Episode
- Choking Prevention and Response Course co-taught by Katie, Dawn and CPR Instructor Brandon Doerksen (use code KATIE10 for an additional $10 off): https://courses.thrivetraininginstitute.com/pages/babyledweanteam
- ezpz Oral Development Tools (use affiliate code KATIE10 for 10% off) - shop Oral Development Tools here.
- Baby-Led Weaning with Katie Ferraro program with the 100 First Foods™ Daily Meal Plan, join here: https://babyledweaning.co/program
- Baby-Led Weaning for Beginners free online workshop with 100 First Foods™ list to all attendees, register here: https://babyledweaning.co/baby-led-weaning-for-beginners
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