Learning infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) equips individuals with the ability to respond effectively during an emergency involving a baby. Knowing the correct actions to take can make a difference in such situations. These skills are a practical step for ensuring infant safety.
When Infant CPR is Needed
An infant, for CPR purposes, is defined as a child under one year of age. CPR becomes necessary if an infant is unresponsive, not breathing normally, or has no pulse. Signs include the infant being still, not responding to touch or sound, or only gasping for air. If such signs are present, call emergency medical services immediately or send someone to do so while preparing to administer aid.
Infant Chest Compression Technique
Performing infant chest compressions requires precise technique. For a single rescuer, two fingers are placed on the infant’s breastbone, just below an imaginary line connecting the nipples. Compressions should be approximately 1.5 inches deep, or about one-third the depth of the infant’s chest, to circulate blood. These compressions should be delivered at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute. Allowing the chest to fully recoil after each compression enables the heart to refill with blood. These guidelines are consistent with recommendations from organizations like the American Heart Association.
Infant Rescue Breathing
Rescue breathing is an important part of infant CPR, as respiratory issues often precede cardiac arrest in infants. To administer rescue breaths, the infant’s airway is opened by gently tilting the head back and lifting the chin. The rescuer then creates a seal by covering both the infant’s mouth and nose with their own mouth. Two gentle puffs of air are delivered, each lasting about one second, with just enough volume to make the infant’s chest visibly rise.
The CPR Cycle and Next Steps
Combining chest compressions and rescue breaths forms the CPR cycle. For a single rescuer, the recommended ratio is 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths. If two rescuers are present, the ratio changes to 15 compressions to 2 breaths. CPR should be continued without interruption until emergency medical services arrive and take over, the infant shows clear signs of recovery, or the rescuer becomes too exhausted to continue. Call for emergency help immediately, or have someone else do so, before or as CPR begins.