How to Perform CPR on an Infant: A Clear Step by Step Guide for Parents and Caregivers

Infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving skill used when a baby under 1 year old is not breathing normally and is unresponsive. It combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to help circulate oxygen to the brain and heart until help arrives.

This skill is for:

1. Parents and guardians

2. Babysitters and caregivers

3. Early childhood educators

4. Anyone who spends time with infants

Ahmed Kermalli, Director of Lifesaver YEG, explains: “You do not need a healthcare background to learn it, but you do need hands-on practice to feel confident.

What Makes Infant CPR Different from Adult CPR

Infants are smaller and more fragile, which is why technique matters.

Key differences include:

1. Gentler compressions: You compress about one third the depth of the chest.

2. Different hand placement: You can use 2 fingers in the centre of the chest for a single rescuer. Alternatively, you may also use two thumb hand encircling technique to complete compressions.

3. Breaths are smaller: You use gentle puffs, just enough to see the chest rise.

4. Most infant emergencies start with breathing issues: Choking and respiratory problems are common triggers, which is why breaths matter.

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How to Know When to Start CPR on an Infant

Start CPR when an infant is unresponsive and not breathing normally. It will seem daunting, but timely CPR doubles the chances of survival.

Step 1: Check responsiveness

1. Tap the bottom of the foot.

2. Speak loudly. Use the baby’s name if you know it.

If there is no response, move to breathing.

Step 2: Check breathing quickly

Look for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds. Gasping or irregular breathing is not normal breathing.

If the baby is not breathing normally, start CPR.

What to do First: Call 911 or Start CPR?

If you are alone with an infant:

1. Provide about 2 minutes of CPR first, then call 911 if you can, and return to CPR.

If you have someone with you:

1. Send them to call 911 right away.

2. Ask them to bring an AED if one is available.

3. You start CPR immediately.

If you have a phone, use speaker mode so you can keep your hands on the baby while calling.

How to Perform CPR on an Infant (Step by Step)

Place the infant on a firm, flat surface.

Chest compressions (2 fingers)

1. Find the right spot: Centre of the chest, just below the nipple line, on the breastbone.

2. Place 2 fingers: Keep fingers off the ribs.

3. Compress straight down: About one third the depth of the chest.

4. Keep a steady rhythm: Aim for 100 to 120 compressions per minute.

5. Let the chest fully recoil: Lift pressure between compressions without losing contact.

   
   

Rescue breaths

After compressions, open the airway and give breaths.

1. Open the airway: Place one hand on the forehead and gently tilt the head back to a neutral position. Lift the chin.

2. Seal your mouth over the baby’s mouth and nose: Infants are small, so you cover both.

3. Give 2 gentle breaths: Each breath is about 1 second. Watch for the chest to rise.

   
   

If the chest does not rise:

1. Reposition the head.

2. Try again with a gentler, better seal.

   
   

Compression to breath ratio

Use the standard ratios taught in first aid training:

1. Single rescuer: 30 compressions, then 2 breaths.

2. Two rescuers: 15 compressions, then 2 breaths.

   
   

Continue cycles until:

1. The baby starts breathing normally.

2. Another trained responder takes over.

3. Paramedics arrive and take over care.

4. You are too exhausted to continue.

   
   

If You Suspect Choking, What Changes?

CPR is for unresponsive infants. Choking care depends on whether the infant is responsive.

If the infant is responsive but choking

Look for signs like weak coughing, silent attempts to cry, or trouble breathing.

Use back blows and chest thrusts:

1. Give 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades.

2. Turn the baby and give 5 chest thrusts using 2 fingers on the breastbone.

3. Repeat until the object comes out or the infant becomes unresponsive.

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If the infant becomes unresponsive

Start CPR and activate 911. Each time you open the mouth to give breaths, look for a visible object. Remove it only if you can see it. Do not do blind finger sweeps.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Most people do not struggle with effort. They struggle with small details. These fixes help.

1. Going too deep: Use one third chest depth, not adult force.

2. Losing the rhythm: Count out loud to stay steady.

3. Skipping recoil: Let the chest come all the way back up.

4. Blowing too hard: Gentle breaths only. Watch for chest rise.

5. Waiting too long: If unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR.

   
   

How Long Does it Take to Get Trained, and What Format Works Best?

Reading helps. Practice is what makes the steps automatic under stress. If you want calm coaching and lots of hands-on time, choose a class that fits your schedule

We offer:

1. Blended learning: online module plus in-person skills.

2. Small classes for more hands-on practice.

3. Clear coaching that builds confidence without pressure.

   
   

You receive immediate electronic certification when you complete the course.

Courses are OHS approved and meet provincial requirements. Employers and schools widely accept these certifications.

Find a course, and book your seat now. 

More reading you might like:

• Do You Need a Babysitting Course to Babysit? Here’s What You Should Know

• Basic First Aid vs. Intermediate First Aid: What You Need to Know

• How Long is a CPR Certificate Valid For?

FAQs

How do I know if a baby is breathing “normally”?

Normal breathing looks smooth and regular. Gasping, very slow breathing, or irregular breaths are not normal. If you are unsure, start CPR and call 911.

Do I really need rescue breaths for infant CPR?

Yes. Infant emergencies often start with breathing problems. Compressions and gentle breaths work together to move oxygen.

Can I use an AED on an infant?

An automated external defibrillator (AED) can be used on infants with the right pads and settings. Follow the AED prompts. Training helps you feel comfortable with this.

What if I hurt the baby while doing compressions?

Doing nothing is the bigger risk when an infant is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Use 2 fingers, compress one third chest depth, and keep a steady rhythm.

How often should I renew CPR and first aid training?

It depends on your job requirements and the course level. Renewing on schedule keeps skills fresh and meets workplace or school expectations.

Which course is best for parents and caregivers?

Many families choose Emergency/Basic First Aid (EFA) for core skills, or Standard/Intermediate First Aid (SFA) if they want broader coverage. If you work in healthcare, Basic Life Support (BLS) is usually the right fit.