A 17-day-old female infant with thrush was almost asphyxiated by miconazole oral gel that had been applied to the nipples of her mother's breasts. The infant recovered after her mother had removed the gel from her mouth. Thrush is most often self-limiting and medical treatment is usually unnecessary. When treatment is indicated, miconazole oral gel or nystatin can be given. To obtain a therapeutic effect, long-term contact with the oral mucosa is needed and therefore the oral gel is viscous. Small amounts of the gel should be applied to the oral mucosa. When prescribing miconazole oral gel, instructions should be given regarding the mode of administration and the risk of respiratory tract obstruction should be pointed out.