How to Perform CPR on an Infant

I know it can be scary to even think about performing CPR on an infant. We totally get it! But knowing infant CPR can significantly change the outcome of a cardiac or breathing emergency. Even just a few short minutes can lead to lifelong brain damage. Remind yourself that God has equipped you with all the skills you need to help, be confident in that.

First things first, if you find your child unresponsive, it is time to act. If you have your phone with you call 911 right away and put it on speaker phone. They will talk you through step by step what you need to do, plus they will be sending emergency crews right away.

Next lay your baby on a firm, flat surface and bare their chest. So this means if the baby is in a carseat or crib you will need to move them. 

Next you will place two fingers or two thumbs encircling right below the nipple line. Just make sure you are above the xyphoid process( the firm bump at the bottom of the breast bone). You are going to push down 1 1/2 inches or 1/3 the depth of the chest. Remember it will not take as much force to get to that depth with a baby. They are a lot smaller than us. You will perform 30 compressions and then give 2 breaths.

When giving a breath to an infant you will slightly elevate their chin and use your mouth to cover their mouth and nose. Give a breath, just enough to see the infant’s chest rise. Remember their lungs are very small, it will not take as much air to get them to fill. Do this two times before resuming compressions.

You will repeat this process, 30 compressions and 2 breaths until your baby regains consciousness or emergency crews arrive.

Learning CPR can give your child the best chance at recovering from an emergency. We would love to help you practice and feel confident in your skills. Take one of our CPR classes today!

Wouldn’t it be nice if babies came with an instruction manual when they arrived :)