How to Perform Child & Baby CPR
Although you hope you'll never use cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for a child or infant, it's important to know the steps so that you can help in the event of a cardiac or breathing emergency. And although you may have taken a class in child CPR, it's a good idea to keep the steps handy so that the information stays fresh in your memory. With our printable step-by-step guide, you can access the child and baby CPR steps anytime, anywhere. Simply print them up and place them in your car, your desk, your kitchen or with your other first aid supplies, then read over them from time to time to help maintain your skills.
Before Giving Child or Baby CPR
Check the scene for safety, form an initial impression, obtain consent from the parent or guardian, and use personal protective equipment (PPE).
If the child or baby appears unresponsive, check the child or baby for responsiveness (shout-tap-shout)
For a child, shout to get the child’s attention, using the child’s name if you know it. If the child does not respond, tap the child’s shoulder and shout again while checking for breathing, life-threatening bleeding or another obvious life-threatening condition
For a baby, shout to get the baby’s attention, using the baby’s name if you know it. If the baby does not respond, tap the bottom of the baby’s foot and shout again while checking for breathing, life-threatening bleeding or another obvious life-threatening condition
Check for no more than 10 seconds
If the child or baby does not respond and is not breathing or only gasping, CALL EMS and get equipment, or tell someone to do so.
Performing Child & Baby CPR
Place the child or baby on their back on a firm, flat surface
For a child, kneel beside the child
For a baby, stand or kneel to the side of the baby, with your hips at a slight angle
Give 30 compressions
For a child, place the heel of one hand in the center of the child’s chest, with your other hand on top and your fingers interlaced and off the child’s chest
Position your shoulders directly over your hands and lock your elbows
Keep your arms straight
Push down hard and fast about 2 inches at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute
Allow the chest to return to normal position after each compression
For a small child, use a one-handed CPR technique
Place the heel of one hand in the center of the child’s chest
Push down hard and fast about 2 inches at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute
For a baby, place both thumbs (side-by-side) on the center of the baby’s chest, just below the nipple line
Use the other fingers to encircle the baby’s chest toward the back, providing support
Using both thumbs at the same time, push hard down and fast about 1 ½ inches at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute
Allow the chest to return to its normal position after each compression
Alternatively, for a baby, use the two-finger technique
Use two fingers placed parallel to the chest in the center of the chest
For a baby, if you can’t reach the depth of 1 ½ inches, consider using the one-hand technique
Give 2 breaths
For a child, open the airway to a slightly past-neutral position using the head-tilt/chin-lift technique
For a baby, open the airway to a neutral position using the head-tilt/chin-lift technique
Blow into the child or baby’s mouth for about 1 second
Ensure each breath makes the chest rise
Allow the air to exit before giving the next breath
If the first breath does not cause the chest to rise, retilt the head and ensure a proper seal before giving the second breath. If the second breath does not make the chest rise, an object may be blocking the airway
Continue giving sets of 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths until:
You notice an obvious sign of life
An AED is ready to use
Another trained responder is available to take over compressions
EMS personnel arrive and begin their care
You are alone and too tired to continue
The scene becomes unsafe
You have performed approximately 2 minutes of CPR (5 sets of 30:2), you are alone and caring for baby, and you need to call EMS
It is advised to futher equipt yourself with good trainging in First Aid and CPR. For more information on First Aid Training CLICK HERE
