We all hope we’ll never need to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), especially on a child or infant. But in an emergency, it’s important to know the steps to take when every second matters. Keep reading for lifesaving steps so you can be prepared to act when every second matters.
How Adult and Pediatric CPR Differ
While giving CPR to children is similar to administering CPR to adults, there are differences, and the reasoning for giving CPR to children vs. adults can also vary. For example, adults are more likely to need CPR when their heart stops suddenly, whereas children most often need CPR because they’ve stopped breathing.
When it comes to actually giving CPR, it’s important to remember that a child ‘s or baby’s body is much smaller and more delicate than an adult’s. Their bones are more flexible, their airways are narrower and their tongues are relatively larger in proportion to their mouths. These things can make performing CPR on an infant or child more challenging.
Because of these points, the timing and pressure used to perform CPR on a baby or small child differ from those used for adults. Infant and child CPR requires shallower compressions and can be performed with either one hand or just two fingers, depending on the child's size. Additionally, separate automated external defibrillator (AED) pads are designed specifically for children and are smaller than those designed for adults.
CPR for Infants and Children: Steps to Follow
If a child’s or infant's heart stops and they’re not breathing or only gasping, you should provide CPR.
Before giving a child or baby CPR, follow these steps:
- Make sure the scene is safe. If needed, as long as you don’t suspect a spine injury, move the baby or child to a safe location before beginning CPR.
- Check for alertness. Shout to get the baby or child’s attention, calling their name if you know it. If there’s no response, tap the child’s shoulder or the baby’s foot and shout again. Check for breathing, bleeding or other obvious life-threatening conditions. Never shake an infant in an attempt to check for alertness.
- Seek professional help. If you have help, tell someone to call 911 immediately, and if you’re alone, shout for help as you begin CPR. After approximately two minutes of CPR (five sets of 30 compressions and two rescue breaths), pause compressions to call 911 if help has not yet arrived.
Performing CPR on a Child or Baby
- Place the baby or child on their back, lying on a firm, flat surface.
- Give 30 compressions.
- Give two quick rescue breaths, each lasting approximately one second.
- Repeat sets of 30 chest compressions and two breaths.
Continue compressions and rescue breathing until the baby or child resumes breathing, or:
- An AED is ready to use
- Another trained person is available to take over compressions
- Emergency medical services arrive to take over compressions
- The scene becomes unsafe to continue
The CPR process differs slightly based on a child’s size. Here’s what you need to know:
CPR Specifics for Infants and Children
- For a child, place the heel of one hand in the center of the child’s chest, with your other hand on top and your fingers interlaced and off the child’s chest.
- Position your shoulders directly over your hands and lock your elbows.
- Keep your arms straight.
- Push down hard and fast about two inches at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
- Allow the chest to return to normal position after each compression.
- For a small child, use a one-handed CPR technique.
- Place the heel of one hand in the center of the child’s chest.
- Push down hard and fast about two inches at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
- For a baby, place both thumbs side-by-side on the center of the baby’s chest, just below the nipple line.
- Use the other fingers to encircle the baby’s chest toward the back, providing support.
- Using both thumbs at the same time, push hard down and fast about one and a half inches at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
- Allow the chest to return to its normal position after each compression.
- Alternatively, for a baby, place two fingers parallel to the chest in the center of the chest and follow the steps above.
Timing and pressure are crucial in CPR because they directly affect the amount of blood that circulates during chest compressions. Maintaining a consistent, rapid compression rate with adequate pressure based on size recommendations is important to ensure the child or baby receives consistent blood flow.
Preparing for Unexpected Emergencies
The steps described above are not a substitute for actual CPR training. The best way to ensure you’re prepared for an unexpected cardiac or breathing emergency is taking a child and infant CPR class to become certified and keep the steps on hand, so they stay fresh in your memory.
Whether you’re a parent or other caretaker, like a grandparent, older sibling, babysitter or teacher, anyone caring for children should learn infant and child CPR. Find a pediatric CPR class near you. Knowing CPR could truly help save a life.
Certifications are valid for two years, so even if you’ve completed CPR training before, taking a refresher course is good idea if it’s been a while since your last course.
Compassionate Care for Your Little One
In emergency situations, every minute matters for your little one. Our expert pediatric specialists deliver compassionate, whole-person care and are dedicated to helping your child maintain their best health. Learn more about our children’s care or find an AdventHealth location near you so you’re prepared for unexpected emergencies.
