CPR in a baby (0 to 12 months): First
aid
Reviewed by SickKids Staff Last updated: October 17th 2016
CPR is a life-saving technique that combines chest compressions and rescue
breaths (mouth-to-mouth resuscitation). Along with hands-on CPR training, this
information can help save your baby's life.
Key points
Take an official course to learn real, hands-on CPR.
CPR involves both chest compressions and rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation). Give 30 compressions and two rescue breaths; repeat this cycle until
help arrives or your child recovers.
If your baby is unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping despite stimulation,
start CPR right away and have someone else call 911 and get an AED.
Once your baby starts breathing, put them in the recovery position. This will keep
their airway open.
What is CPR?
CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. CPR is an emergency procedure that involves
chest compressions (pushing hard down on the chest) and rescue breaths (mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation). When given properly, CPR can help deliver oxygen to the brain and other organs
until help arrives or until your baby recovers. Causes of cardiac arrest in babies are usually a
result of a major injury or illness and rarely from underlying heart disease.
This information can refresh your memory if you have already undergone a CPR course. It does
not replace real, hands-on CPR training. CPR courses are often available through local recreation
programs, advanced swim programs, and first aid programs. In Canada, such programs are
offered by the Canadian Red Cross, Heart and Stroke Foundation and St. John Ambulance for
example. The basic skills are simple and usually only take a few hours to learn.
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Giving CPR to your baby
Check to see if your baby is unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping. You will need to
begin CPR if your baby does not:
breathe (or only gasps)
respond to your touch
move
wake up
become alert
If you are not alone, have someone else call 911 and get an AED (automated external
defibrillator) right away, if available, while you are doing CPR.
If you are alone and have a cell phone, start CPR while calling 911 from your cell phone on
speaker. After two minutes of CPR (five cycles), go get an AED if available.
If you are alone and have no cell phone, start CPR for two minutes (five cycles) and then call
911 from a landline and get an AED if available.
Step 1
Chest compressions: Push hard, push fast
Begin CPR by laying your baby down on a firm, flat surface.
Do not spend time trying to find a pulse. Place your two
fingers on the breastbone, just below the nipple line. Give
your baby 30 quick chest compressions (push fast), pressing
hard enough so their chest moves approximately 4 cm (1.5
inches) down (push hard).
Count out loud. You should deliver about 100-120 compressions a minute. Wait for the chest to
come all the way back to its initial position between compressions. This will get the blood
flowing to your baby's brain and other vital organs.
Step 2
Rescue breaths: Open the airway
After the first 30 chest compressions, place the palm of your hand on your baby’s forehead.
Place two fingers on the hard, bony tip of their chin and gently tilt their head back. This will
open the airway.
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Step 3
Two rescue breaths
Place your mouth over your baby's nose and mouth, forming
a tight seal, and give two breaths. Each breath should be just
enough to make your baby’s chest rise and should be no
more than one second in length. If your baby’s chest does not
rise, reposition their head, form a tighter seal, and try again.
Step 4
Repeat
Give cycles of 30 chest compressions and two breaths during
two minutes and repeat until the ambulance arrives or your
baby starts breathing again. Two minutes usually allow for
five cycles of 30 chest compressions and two breaths. A two-
minute CPR cycle is usually tiring. If you are not alone, switch
who is giving CPR every two minutes.
Step 5
Recovery position
Once your baby has recovered and started breathing again
on their own, your baby may vomit and find it difficult to
breathe. Simply put your baby in the recovery position: Their
chin should point slightly away from the chest and their face
should rest on the surface on which the baby is laying. Make
sure nothing is blocking or covering your baby's mouth and
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nose. The recovery position will help keep your baby’s airway open.
At SickKids:
The Hospital for Sick Children offers the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s First Aid program. It
provides CPR and resuscitation training for patients, families and the general public.
Please visit AboutKidsHealth.ca for more child health information.
©2021 The Hospital for Sick Children
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