How to Do CPR on a Baby

Knowing infant CPR is super important. It could save a baby's life! It's different than adult CPR. You need to know the steps. Let's learn how to do it right. Remember, this isn't a substitute for real training. Always get professional help in an emergency.

Why Learn Infant CPR?

Babies are more at risk. Here's why:

Choking: They put stuff in their mouths.
SIDS: It's scary, but it happens.
Drowning: Even a little water is dangerous.
Infections: They can have trouble breathing.
Trauma: Accidents happen.

CPR can really help. It gives the baby a better chance until paramedics arrive. Time is really important.

Infant vs. Adult CPR: What's Different?

Don't do adult CPR on a baby! Here's the lowdown:

Hand Placement: Two hands for adults. Just two fingers (or thumbs) for babies.
Compression Depth: Push hard on adults. Gently (about 1.5 inches) on babies.
Rescue Breaths: Tilt an adult's head. Be super careful with a baby's neck.
Compression-to-Breath Ratio: 30:2 for adults. But for babies? 15:2 with two rescuers. 30:2 if you're alone.

Step-by-Step Guide to Infant CPR

Okay, let's get into the steps. Stay calm. Act fast. If you can, have someone call 911 while you start.

1. Check Things Out

Is the baby really in trouble?

See if They Respond: Gently tap a foot or shoulder. Say their name. Do they move? Cry? Breathe?
Look for Breathing: Watch their chest. Listen for breath. Feel for breath on your cheek. Do this for only 10 seconds.

Breathing and responsive? Don't do CPR. Just watch them and get medical help if needed.

2. Call for Help

Baby's not breathing? Gasping? Call 911 now. Have someone else do it if you can. If you're alone, call before starting CPR, if possible. If not, do CPR for two minutes, then call.

3. Get the Baby Ready

Lay the baby on a firm, flat spot. On their back.

4. Open Up the Airway

Gently tilt the head back a little. One hand on the forehead. Two fingers under the chin. Don't overdo it! You could block the airway. This is called "head-tilt, chin-lift."

5. Check Breathing Again

Look, listen, and feel. Only 10 seconds. Still no breathing or just gasping? Time for rescue breaths.

6. Give Rescue Breaths

Pinch the nose shut. Cover the baby's mouth with yours. Make a good seal. Give two gentle breaths. Each breath should last about one second. Watch for the chest to rise. If it doesn't, tilt the head again. Still no rise? The airway might be blocked. See the "Choking" section below.

7. Start Chest Compressions

Put two fingers (or two thumbs) on the baby's chest. Right below the nipples. If using fingers, put them side-by-side. If using thumbs, put them around the chest. Push down about 1.5 inches. Do 30 compressions. Fast! 100-120 per minute. Faster than one per second.

8. Keep Going

After 30 compressions, give two more breaths. Keep going until:

The baby starts breathing, moving, or crying.
The paramedics arrive.
You're too tired to go on.

Baby Choking?

Can't breathe? Can't cough? Can't cry?

1. Support the Baby

Hold the baby face down on your forearm. Support their jaw and chest. Your forearm should be on your thigh. Head lower than chest.

2. Back Blows

Use the heel of your hand. Give five firm back blows between the shoulder blades.

3. Chest Thrusts

Still choking? Turn the baby face up. Support the head and neck. Place two fingers on the chest. Just below the nipples. Give five quick chest thrusts. Push down about 1.5 inches.

4. Repeat

Keep going back and forth. Five back blows, then five chest thrusts. Until the object comes out. Or the baby stops responding. If that happens, start CPR.

Important Stuff to Remember

Be Gentle: Babies are fragile. Don't push too hard.
Airway Blocked? If you can't give breaths, suspect choking. Follow those steps.
Support the Neck: Always hold the baby's head and neck.
Get Checked Out: Even if the baby seems better, get them checked by a doctor.