CPR for Babies and Children

Highlights

• CPR is a life-saving technique that involves chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths.
• Always call for an ambulance before starting CPR.
• Continue CPR until emergency medical services arrive.
• The recommended CPR cycle is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.
• An AED should be used if available, but not for infants under 1 year of age.

In This Article

• Understanding CPR
• When Should You Perform CPR?
• Step-by-Step Guide to Performing CPR
• Helpful Resources and Support

Understanding CPR

CPR is short for cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

If a child stops breathing normally or their heart stops, doing CPR can keep their body going until an ambulance arrives.

When you do CPR, the chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth (rescue breaths) help circulate blood and oxygen in the body.

When Should You Perform CPR?

You should start CPR if a baby or child:

• is not moving and does not respond when you call them or tap their foot
• is not breathing normally

Start CPR as soon as possible. Try to stay calm. CPR can save a child’s life.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing CPR

There are some differences in how to perform CPR and first aid for babies and children compared with adults.

For both adults and children/babies, you will use the same ratio of chest compressions and rescue breaths: 30 chest compressions for every 2 mouth-to-mouth breaths.

Follow these life support steps before starting. (Use the phrase DRS ABC to help you remember the steps.)

1. Perform 30 Chest Compressions
   • Place the child/baby on their back on a firm surface.
   • For children: Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest. Put the other hand on top.
   • For babies: Use two fingers to compress the chest instead.
   • Keep arms straight and press down to one-third of the chest depth.
   • Release the pressure—pressing down and releasing counts as one compression.
2. Give Mouth-to-Mouth Breaths
   • Tilt the head back slightly and lift the chin to open the airway.
   • Open the mouth but avoid touching the neck.
   • Take a breath and cover the child’s mouth with yours. Pinch the nostrils shut.
   • For babies, cover both the mouth and nose with your mouth.
   • Blow steadily for about 1 second and watch for the chest to rise.
   • Release and watch for the chest to fall.
   • If the chest does not rise, check for obstructions and ensure a proper seal.
   • Repeat for a total of 2 breaths.
3. Continue with the 30:2 CPR Cycle
   • Give 30 chest compressions followed by 2 breaths.
   • Aim for 5 sets of 30:2 in about 2 minutes.
   • Maintain a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
4. Use of Defibrillation (AED)
   • If an automatic external defibrillator (AED) is available, attach it and follow the prompts.
   • Do not use an AED on infants under 1 year of age.

Tools and Assistance

• First Aid Courses: Learning CPR through certified first aid courses is highly recommended. Make sure the course covers CPR and first aid for babies and children.
• CPR Fact Sheets: Various organizations provide downloadable fact sheets on CPR techniques that can be referenced in an emergency.
• Mobile Applications: Many apps are available that provide real-time guidance for emergency first aid procedures, including CPR.