Each year, more than 5500 children aged 18 years and younger experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital and when cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is provided quickly and effectively, it can double or even triple a victim's chance of survival. Infants are susceptible to cardiac arrest for a variety of reasons, including choking, suffocation, and drowning. Parents and anyone providing care to infants should know how to perform CPR properly.
Determine need for CPR
Step 1
Tap your baby's feet or gently shake her if she appears to be unresponsive.
Step 2
If you determine there is an emergency and someone else is available, have that person call 9-1-1 immediately.
Step 3
If you are alone, call for help only after providing two minutes of CPR.
Initial Rescue Breathing
Step 1
Gently place the infant face up on a firm surface, then tilt her head back while lifting her chin to open the airway.
Step 2
If a face mask or respirator is available, place it over the baby's mouth and nose. If one is not available, CPR can still be performed safely.
Step 3
Place your mouth over the baby's mouth and nose, then give two slow, gentle rescue breaths, which should make the chest rise. Refer to the next section if the chest does not rise.
What to do if the chest does not rise
Step 1
If the baby's chest doesn't rise, tilt her head backward and again give two slow, gentle breaths.
Step 2
If the chest still does not rise, something may be blocking the baby's airway. Imagine a line connecting the baby's nipples and place two fingers on the breastbone, one finger width below the imaginary line.
Step 3
Using only your forefinger and middle finger, give 30 quick compressions to the chest, moving the chest downward 1/2 to 1 inch each time. Do not remove your fingers between compressions.
Step 4
Tilt the baby's head again and look inside the her mouth. If you can see an object, sweep it out with your little finger.
Step 5
Give two more breaths. If the chest doesn't rise, repeat steps three and four above. If the chest does rise, but the baby is still not breathing or moving, move on to the next section.
Determine the next course of action
Step 1
Check for a pulse by placing a finger on the inside of the baby's upper arm.
Step 2
If you feel a pulse, but the baby is still not breathing, give one rescue breath every three seconds.
Step 3
Check the pulse again after two minutes of breathing and continue as needed if the child is still not breathing.
Step 4
If there is no pulse, tilt the head back to open the airway. Perform 30 chest compressions.
Step 5
After the chest compressions, give two rescue breaths. Repeat this cycle until the child is revived or emergency medical personnel arrive to take over.
Things You'll Need
- Firm surface
- Face mask
