How can you assess if a child is choking?

To determine if a child is choking, the signs to look for include an inability to cough effectively, which suggests that the airway may be blocked. When a child cannot cough, it means the airway is severely obstructed, and they may also exhibit signs of distress such as turning blue or showing a change in their skin color due to a lack of oxygen. This is a critical indicator that immediate action is required, such as performing the Heimlich maneuver or providing back blows, to help dislodge the object blocking the airway.

In contrast, the other options indicate that the airway is likely not obstructed. If a child can talk and breathe normally, it means their airway is clear and they are not choking. Crying loudly also suggests they are able to breathe and speak effectively, while eating quietly does not provide evidence of choking and may suggest normal eating behavior. These signs are all reassuring that the child is not in a choking situation.