CPR for infants and toddlers is similar to CPR for adults, but there are minor differences due to the size of the chest cavity and breathing rates. Infant CPR is for children ages 0 to 1 year. Child CPR is for children ages 1 to 8 years. For children over 8 years old, you can use adult CPR techniques. While written instructions can teach you to do CPR, there is no substitute for hands-on training.
Instructions
CPR for Infants (Ages 0 to 1)
1. Check the child for a response. Gently shake, tap or shout at the child to determine whether the child is unconscious.
2. Send for help. If someone else is available, have them call 911 while you begin CPR. If you are alone, immediately begin the CPR sequence, before calling for help.
3. Turn the infant sideways. Sweep your finger across her tongue to clear any debris from her mouth.
4. Turn the infant onto her back. Tilt her head back, slightly, and lift her chin to open an airway. Rest one hand on her forehead to keep her head in position. Gently open her mouth with your other hand.
5. Deliver two gentle breaths. Cover the infant's mouth and nose with your mouth and exhale, gently, for one second. The infant's chest should rise. Release, let the chest fall, and repeat the breath a second time.
6. Deliver 30 chest compressions. Position your index and second fingers in the center of the infant's breastbone, just below the nipples. Press straight down and compress the chest one-third to half its depth. Press at a rate of 100 compressions per minute.
7. Repeat the two breath/30 compressions sequence for two minutes and check the infant's breathing. If you are alone, call 911 after two minutes. If the infant is not breathing, continue the CPR sequence until help arrives.
Child CPR (Ages 1 to 8)
8. Follow steps 1 through 5 in the infant CPR instructions. Cover only the child's mouth instead of both the nose and mouth.
9. Deliver 30 chest compressions. Position the palm of one hand in the center of the child's breastbone, just below the nipples. Place the other hand on top and interlace your fingers. Press straight down and compress the chest one-third to half its depth. Press at a rate of 100 compressions per minute.
10. Repeat the two breath/30 compressions sequence for two minutes and check the child's breathing. If you are alone, call 911 after two minutes. If the child is not breathing, continue the CPR sequence until paramedics arrive.
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