How to Do CPR on an Infant

Knowing how to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on an infant could save a life. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to perform CPR on babies under 1 year old. CPR combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to help keep oxygen flowing through the body when a baby's heart stops beating or they stop breathing normally.

What is Infant CPR?

Infant CPR is a life-saving technique used when a baby under 1 year old is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Babies usually have healthy hearts, but they may stop breathing due to choking, drowning, or other emergencies. Learning this skill could help you save a precious life.

The steps for infant CPR are different from adult CPR because babies are smaller and more delicate. You'll need to use gentler techniques while still providing effective help.

When to Perform Infant CPR

You should perform CPR on an infant when:

• The baby is unresponsive (doesn't move, cry, or react when you call or tap them)
• The baby is not breathing or is only gasping
• The baby shows no signs of life or normal breathing

Remember, it's better to start CPR if you're unsure rather than wait until it's too late1.

Before Starting: Safety First

Before beginning CPR, follow these important safety steps:

1. Check for Danger Look around for any hazards that could harm you or the baby. Move the baby to a safe location if needed3.
2. Check Responsiveness Gently tap the baby's feet or shoulders and call out to them. Watch for any movement, crying, or other response36.
3. Get Emergency Help If someone is with you, ask them to call 999 (or your local emergency number) immediately.

If you're alone, give CPR for about 1 minute before calling for help, unless you can put your phone on speaker while starting CPR1012.

How to Perform Infant CPR: Step-by-Step

Position the Baby

Place the baby on their back on a firm, flat surface. A floor or table works better than a soft bed or sofa112.

Check the Airway

Gently tilt the baby's head to a neutral position – not too far back. This helps open the airway.

Check the baby's mouth for any visible objects blocking the airway. If you see something, carefully remove it with your little finger. Never blindly sweep your finger into the baby's throat610.

Check for Breathing

Look, listen, and feel for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds:

• Look for chest movements
• Listen for breathing sounds
• Feel for breath on your cheek

If the baby is breathing normally, place them in the recovery position (on their side) and continue to monitor them until help arrives310.

Give Initial Rescue Breaths

If the baby is not breathing normally:

1. Maintain the head tilt with one hand on the forehead and two fingers under the chin
2. Cover both the baby's mouth and nose with your mouth, creating a seal
3. Give 5 gentle breaths, each lasting about 1 second
4. Watch for the chest to rise with each breath1213

Perform Chest Compressions

If the baby remains unresponsive:

1. Place two fingers in the centre of the baby's chest, just below the nipple line
2. Press down firmly to a depth of about 4cm (about one-third of the chest depth)
3. Allow the chest to come back up completely between compressions
4. Deliver 30 compressions at a rate of about 100-120 per minute (almost 2 compressions per second)1613

Continue CPR Cycle

After 30 compressions:

1. Give 2 rescue breaths (as described earlier)
2. Continue the cycle of 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths13

Keep performing CPR until:

• The baby starts breathing normally
• Emergency help arrives and takes over
• You become too exhausted to continue
• The scene becomes unsafe1315

Choking Infant: What to Do

If the baby is choking before becoming unresponsive:

1. Place the baby face down along your forearm, supporting their head
2. Give 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand
3. If this doesn't work, turn the baby over and give 5 chest thrusts (similar to chest compressions but slower)
4. Continue alternating between 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts until the object is dislodged or the baby becomes unresponsive
5. If the baby becomes unresponsive, start CPR as described above2

Important Tips to Remember

• Use only two fingers for chest compressions, not your whole hand
• Press firmly but gently – babies are delicate
• Ensure the baby is on a firm surface for effective compressions
• Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions
• Minimise interruptions to chest compressions
• If you've been trained to give rescue breaths, combine them with compressions
• If you haven't been trained or are uncomfortable giving rescue breaths, do compression-only CPR until help arrives

FAQ About Infant CPR

How is infant CPR different from adult CPR?

Infant CPR uses two fingers for compressions instead of hands, requires gentler pressure, and involves covering both the mouth and nose during rescue breaths. The compression depth is also less – about 4cm compared to 5-6cm for adults56.

How deep should I press during chest compressions?

Press down about 4cm (1.5 inches) or approximately one-third of the depth of the baby's chest613.

How fast should I perform chest compressions?

Aim for a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. This is about 2 compressions per second. Some people find it helpful to compress to the beat of the song "Staying Alive"1214.

Can I hurt the baby by pressing too hard?

While it's important to be gentle with infants, effective CPR requires firm pressure. It's better to ensure adequate depth than to press too softly. The baby's ribs may occasionally break during proper CPR, but this is better than the alternative of not providing effective compressions10.

When should I start CPR on an infant?

Start CPR immediately if the infant is unresponsive and not breathing normally or only gasping114.

Can I use an AED on an infant?

Yes, if available, an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) can be used on infants. Use paediatric pads if available. If only adult pads are available, place one on the front of the chest and one on the back815.

What if I'm afraid of doing it wrong?

It's better to attempt CPR than to do nothing at all. Emergency operators can provide guidance over the phone while help is on the way1015.

Conclusion

Learning infant CPR is an essential skill for parents, childcare providers, and anyone who spends time with babies. While this guide provides important information, we strongly recommend taking a proper CPR training course with Response First Aid Training to gain hands-on practice with expert feedback.

Remember, in an emergency, staying calm and following these steps could save a precious life. Quick action and proper technique are crucial when performing CPR on an infant.

Response First Aid Training offers comprehensive courses that include infant CPR. Contact us today to book your training session and gain the confidence to act in an emergency.