Emergencies can happen in the blink of an eye, especially with curious little ones around. From choking hazards to sudden health crises, being prepared to act quickly and confidently can make all the difference. Whether it’s your infant, your growing toddler, or even another adult in your home, knowing how to perform CPR tailored to different age groups could save a life.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the essentials of CPR for infants. Understanding these differences is crucial, as the techniques vary depending on the age and size of the individual.
Infant CPR: Designed for those under one year old, this method focuses on delicate compressions and breaths to protect fragile bodies.
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- Check for responsiveness: Gently tap the infant and call their name. If there’s no response, shout for help and designate someone to call 911 while you begin CPR.
- Open the airway: Place the infant on their back and gently tilt their head slightly backward. Avoid overextending the neck.
- Give chest compressions: Use two fingers to press the center of the chest, just below the nipple line. Compress about 1.5 inches deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
- Provide rescue breaths: Cover the infant’s nose and mouth with your mouth, creating a seal. Gently give two small breaths, just enough to make the chest rise. Alternate 30 compressions with 2 breaths.
- Continue until help arrives: Keep performing CPR until emergency responders take over or the infant shows signs of life.
Adult CPR: Larger bodies require stronger compressions and a slightly different approach. (Stay tuned, part 3 for adults coming soon!)
FREE PRINTABLE
To help you stay prepared, we’ve created a free printable guide that breaks down the CPR techniques for infants as well as for children. Keep it on your fridge, taped up in the pantry, in your diaper bag, or anywhere easy to access in case of an emergency. And if you have not taken a course to become CPR certified, you can find the nearest class to you here.
Learning CPR is a small time investment with a potentially life-changing impact. We’re here to empower moms like you with the knowledge and tools to keep your family safe.
This blog is supported by The Emergency Center, now open in Conroe at League Line Rd. and I-45N. The Emergency Center at Conroe is a 24-hour emergency room staffed with a team of compassionate, board-certified emergency physicians who are dedicated to providing the best care possible. From minor injuries to serious medical conditions, The Emergency Center at Conroe is here with fast, attentive and empathetic care whenever you may need them – 24/7/365, holidays and weekends included.
This information has been verified by Jeff Erdner, D.O., with The Emergency Center at Conroe
The Emergency Center at Conroe
4019 I-45 N,
Conroe, Texas 77304
(I-45 and League Line Road)
936-236-4911