What to do if your child has a breath-holding spell

If your child has a blue breath-holding spell or reflex anoxic seizure, you should: stay calm it should pass in less than a minute lie them on their side don't pick them up keep an eye on them until the spell ends make sure they can't hit their head, arms or legs on anything if they start to jerk, gently cushion their head, arms or legs to prevent injury avoid shaking or hitting them avoid putting anything in their mouth including your fingers avoid splashing them with water avoid mouth-to-mouth resuscitation You don't need to try to help your child breathe or help their heart beat. They'll start breathing on their own, and their heart will return to a normal rhythm on its own after the episode or seizure has finished this is usually in less than a minute. Afterwards, they may cry or scream. Reassure your child and make sure they get plenty of rest after having ablue breath-holding spell or reflex anoxic seizure. Act as if nothing has happened and avoid making a fuss don't punish or reward them.