Infant CPR: How to Resuscitate a Baby Under One Year Old

In this section, we will look at how to perform CPR on an infant. An infant is defined as a child under one year old.

Cardiac arrest in infants is very rare. However, when it does occur, it is almost always caused by a breathing problem, not a primary heart condition. Acting quickly and using the correct technique gives the infant the best possible chance of survival.

Step 1: Ensure the Scene Is Safe

Before doing anything else, check that the area is safe. Look for hazards that could put you or the infant at risk.

If it is safe, approach the infant calmly.

Step 2: Check for Responsiveness

Speak gently to the infant:

“Hello, can you hear me?”

You are looking for any sign of response.

To check responsiveness:

• Tap or gently flick the sole of the foot
• Look for movement, sound, or any reaction

If there is no response, shout for help immediately.

Step 3: Call for Help

• If someone is nearby, ask them to call 999, leave their phone with you on speakerphone, and bring an AED if one is available.
• If you are alone, call 999 yourself on speakerphone and continue your assessment.

The emergency call handler will give step-by-step instructions and guide you through CPR if needed.

Step 4: Check for Normal Breathing

• Place one hand on the forehead and two fingers under the bony part of the chin
• Gently tilt the head to a neutral position — do not overextend the neck
• Briefly look inside the mouth for any visible obstruction and remove it only if it can be seen and easily removed
• Keep the airway open and look, listen, and feel for normal breathing for up to 10 seconds

You are checking for chest movement, breathing sounds, and air on your cheek.

If the infant is not breathing normally or is only gasping, treat this as cardiac arrest.

Step 5: Give Five Initial Rescue Breaths

Because infant cardiac arrest is usually caused by breathing problems, rescue breaths are critical.

• Maintain a gentle head tilt and chin lift
• Place your mouth over the infant’s mouth and nose, forming a complete seal
• Blow gently for about one second, just enough to make the chest rise
• Allow the chest to fall before the next breath

Give five rescue breaths in total.

If the chest does not rise, recheck the airway position and seal before trying again.

Step 6: Start Chest Compressions

After the five rescue breaths, begin chest compressions:

• Place your two thumbs on the centre of the chest, just below the nipple line
• Wrap your hands around the infant’s chest, supporting the back with your fingers
• Compress the chest by one-third of its depth
• Maintain a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute (about two per second)
• Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions

Continue CPR using a ratio of 15 compressions to 2 rescue breaths.

If another rescuer is available, swap every two minutes to prevent fatigue and maintain high-quality CPR.

Step 7: Using an AED on an Infant

As soon as an AED becomes available:

• Switch it on immediately and follow the voice prompts
• Use paediatric pads if available
• Place one pad on the front of the chest, slightly to the left
• Place the other pad on the back, between the shoulder blades
• Continue CPR while the AED is being applied, if possible
• If only adult pads are available, use them

The AED will tell you when to stand clear and when to resume CPR.

Resume chest compressions immediately after any shock and continue until the AED re-analyses or help arrives.

Continue CPR Until

• The infant starts breathing normally or shows signs of life, such as movement or crying
• Emergency services arrive and take over
• You are physically unable to continue

If the Infant Starts Breathing

If the infant begins breathing normally:

• Place them in the infant recovery position on their side with the head slightly lower
• Or hold them in your arms in the same position
• Continue to monitor breathing closely until help arrives

Key Points to Remember

• Always check for danger before approaching
• Call 999 early
• Give five gentle rescue breaths first
• Continue 15 compressions to 2 breaths at 100–120 per minute
• Use an AED as soon as possible and follow the prompts
• Keep checking for normal breathing and signs of life

Early recognition, early CPR, and early defibrillation save lives. Acting quickly and calmly can make all the difference.