CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, involves a combination of chest compressions and rescue breathing to keep oxygenated blood flowing throughout the body after the heart stops beating. When properly performed, CPR can help prevent brain damage and death. The National Institutes of Health states that permanent brain damage can occur after only four minutes of oxygen deprivation, and death may occur as little as four minutes after that. Infants may require CPR because of choking, drowning, strangulation, poisoning, electrical shock, trauma, suffocation or other reasons. Infant CPR is not administered exactly like CPR for adults, and knowing how to properly perform infant CPR can save a baby's life.
Step 1
Determine whether the infant is responsive by tapping on his shoulder and shouting. If the infant does not respond, place him onto his back on a firm surface.
Step 2
Tilt the baby's head back by placing one hand on his forehead and the other below his chin. Gently push back on his forehead while lifting his chin upward.
Step 3
Check to see whether the baby is breathing. Do this by watching his chest and feeling for breath on your cheek.
Step 4
Cover the baby's nose and mouth with your mouth, and then give two small breaths if he is not breathing. Each breath should last about one second. Be very careful not to exhale too fast or too hard into the infant's mouth. Doing so can damage an infant's lungs or stomach.
Step 5
Watch the baby's chest to see if it rises with each breath. If his chest fails to rise, it may mean his airway is blocked. Remove any visible blockages, and call 911 for assistance.
Step 6
Place two or three fingers in the center of the infant's chest, just below his nipples. Use your fingers to press down to a depth of 1/2 to 1 inch. Repeat this movement 30 times, at a speed of about two compressions per second.
Step 7
Repeat this process for a total of two minutes. The University of Washington states that after two minutes of continuous cycles, you should call 911 for emergency assistance. Continue performing CPR while waiting for medical help to arrive.
Step 8
Check periodically during CPR to determine if the infant is breathing. Discontinue CPR if the infant begins to breathe or cough on his own.
Tips and Warnings
- Have someone else dial 911 while you begin CPR. If you are alone with the infant, begin CPR immediately and dial 911 after two minutes.
