Infant CPR: Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Bystanders & Healthcare Providers

Infant CPR (under 1 year) differs from adult/child in compression technique, depth, and ratio. Immediate high-quality CPR is the single most important intervention.

Scene Safety & Activation

1. Ensure scene safe
2. Check responsiveness: tap foot, shout "Are you okay?"
3. If unresponsive: Shout for help; send someone to call 911 + get AED
4. If alone: 2 minutes CPR FIRST, then call 911 (cell on speaker)

CPR Sequence (C-A-B)

Compressions

• Position: Firm surface; kneel/stand at infant's side
• Hand placement: 2 fingers on lower half of sternum (just below nipple line)
• Depth: 1.5 inches (4 cm) — 1/3 AP chest diameter
• Rate: 100-120/min (beat of "Stayin' Alive")
• Recoil: Full chest recoil between compressions
• Minimize interruptions: <10 seconds

Airway & Breaths

• After 30 compressions: open airway (head-tilt/chin-lift — neutral position, not extended)
• Seal mouth AND nose with your mouth
• 2 gentle breaths (1 sec each) — watch for chest rise
• If chest doesn't rise: reposition head, retry

Cycles

• Single rescuer: 30:2 × 5 cycles (2 min) → call 911 if not done → resume
• Two rescuers: 15:2; switch compressors every 2 min
• With advanced airway: Continuous compressions; breaths 1 every 2-3 sec (20-30/min)

AED Use in Infants

• Use pediatric pads/attenuator if <8 years/<25 kg
• If pediatric unavailable: adult pads OK (anteroposterior placement)
• Follow prompts; minimize CPR interruption

Special Situations

• Choking (responsive): 5 back blows + 5 chest thrusts (repeat)
• Choking (unresponsive): CPR — each compression may dislodge object; check mouth before breaths
• Opioid overdose: Naloxone + CPR; rescue breathing priority

Quality Metrics

• Compression fraction >80%
• Rate 100-120, depth 1.5", full recoil
• Minimal pauses
• Effective breaths (visible chest rise)

Take an AHA/Red Cross Infant CPR course. Skills degrade without practice. Your action can save a baby's life.