If an infant is choking but still able to cough, what should you do?

When an infant is choking but can still cough, the best course of action is to encourage coughing. Coughing is the body's natural response to clear the airway; it uses the strength of the lungs to forcefully expel the object that is causing the obstruction. By encouraging the infant to continue coughing, you allow them to try to clear the obstruction themselves, which is often the most effective initial response.

Interventions such as back blows or administering CPR are reserved for situations where the infant cannot cough, cry, or breathe effectively. Providing a drink is also not recommended, as it could further obstruct the airway rather than help clear it. Thus, supporting and encouraging the use of their natural reflex, which is coughing in this case, is the most appropriate and effective response.