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Mom's Quick Reaction Saves Choking Baby
15 Aug
Summary
- Mother woke to infant daughter struggling to breathe after spitting up.
- Mom used CPR training to clear the baby's airway.
- Study highlights dangers of soft objects in infant sleep areas.

A mother's swift action in upstate New York prevented a potential tragedy when her 4-month-old daughter began choking on spit-up during the night. Casey Clute was alerted by unusual sounds from her baby, Madilyn, and upon waking, realized the infant was gasping for air. Drawing on her CPR training, Casey quickly administered back blows while holding Madilyn face down on her chest, successfully clearing the airway.
Further checks revealed that two stuffed animals had been placed in the baby's bassinet, prompting Casey to remove them. This discovery aligns with research from a 2019 study published in Pediatrics, which identified soft bedding as a significant factor in infant suffocation deaths. The study emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe sleep environment.
The harrowing experience has led Casey and her husband, Joshua, to reconsider their plans for Madilyn to sleep in her own room. They have decided to keep their infant in their bedroom indefinitely, prioritizing immediate proximity and safety above all else, acknowledging that unforeseen events can occur rapidly.