11: What's the difference between Gagging and Choking?

One of the most common — and most important — questions parents have about feeding their children is: is my child gagging or choking? In this episode, feeding therapist Sarina Murrell breaks down the difference between these two very different responses, what they look like, and what you should (and shouldn't) do in each moment.In this episode you'll learn:Why gagging is a normal, protective reflex — and why you don't need to interveneWhat choking actually looks like and why it's often quieter than you'd expectThe memorable phrases "loud and red, let them go ahead" and "quiet and blue, they need help from you" — and an important note about why skin tone matters when using these cuesWhy some children gag more than others, including children with a history of medical trauma, NICU stays, or feeding/breathing tubesHow sensory processing differences and neurodiversity (like autism) can create a heightened gag response — even without food in the mouthWhen to call 911, when to use back blows, and why CPR training mattersResources mentioned:Consider taking a pediatric first aid/CPR courseWork with a feeding specialist to gradually desensitize a hypersensitive gag reflex