A mother’s vigilant response during the night may have averted a tragic event when her infant daughter struggled to breathe. Casey Clute, living in upstate New York, shared a video captured by a Nest camera, revealing the distressing moment her 4-month-old daughter, Madilyn, began choking after spitting up in her sleep.
Casey, who is 34 years old, recounted the incident to Newsweek, stating it occurred around 12:30 a.m. She expressed her constant worry about her children’s safety, often doubting if the sounds she heard were real. With her husband Joshua working, Casey took no chances. “Something told me to wake up,” she said. “I heard her gasping and reacted immediately.” The couple also has a 3-year-old, Charlotte.
Quick thinking led Casey to grab Madilyn and use her CPR training effectively. “I patted her back to clear the airways,” she explained. A TikTok clip (@mama_casey02) shows her quick response.
After ensuring Madilyn’s normal breathing, Casey inspected the bassinet. “I found stuffed animals thrown by my toddler and removed them,” she noted. A 2019 study in Pediatrics highlights the risk of soft bedding, attributing 69% of suffocation cases to it. Safe sleep environments are crucial for reducing such risks.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises placing babies on their backs on flat surfaces, free from soft objects. Although the immediate danger faded, the event left Casey restless. “I am relieved I could act and prevent a tragedy,” she reflected.
This experience influenced Casey’s future plans. As her maternity leave ends, she contemplated Madilyn’s sleeping arrangements. Originally considering moving her to a separate room or with her sister for convenience, Casey now decided to keep Madilyn in their bedroom.
“This incident taught me that anything can happen quickly, regardless of preparation,” Casey stated. “Having her near me saved her life. For safety, she will stay in our room.”
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