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Infant CPR is a lifesaving skill that anyone can learn. It’s used in emergencies when a baby’s heart and lungs stop working. CPR helps to keep air moving to the lungs and blood flowing, which gives the best chance of preventing brain damage or death.
Giving CPR can be scary. But your help can save a life. Trust yourself, and know that the 911 operator can guide you.
How to give CPR to babies under 1 year
Talk to your doctor or take a class to learn how to do CPR, and then use these instructions as a reference. You may need to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). An AED is a machine that can correct a person’s heart rhythm. The AED will tell you how to use it.
- Tap the baby and shout their name. If the baby isn’t breathing, call 911, or ask someone else to call.
2. If there's an AED nearby, ask someone to go get it.
3. Start CPR. Imagine a line between the baby’s nipples. Place two fingers just below that line.
4. Using your fingers, press hard and fast. Give 30 compressions at a rate of about 2 compressions per second. Compress the chest about one-third of the way or about 1½ inches.
5. Gently tilt the baby’s head back. Take a normal breath. Then place your mouth over the baby’s mouth and nose. Make a tight seal.
6. Blow out for 1 second. Give a second breath.
7. Restart chest compressions right away.
8. Keep giving 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths until help arrives, the baby is breathing normally, or an AED is ready to use.
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
