MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia:CPR - infant

Skip navigation

Medical Encyclopedia

CPR - infant - series: Chest compressions

CPR - infant - seriesIllustrations:

Check for breathing

Infant not breathing

Chest compressions

7. Perform chest compressions:

Place 2 fingers on the breastbone -- just below the nipples. Make sure not to press at the very end of the breastbone.
Keep your other hand on the infant’s forehead, keeping the head tilted back.
Press down on the infant’s chest so that it compresses about 1/3 to 1/2 the depth of the chest.
Give 30 chest compressions. Each time, let the chest rise completely. These compressions should be FAST and hard with no pausing. Count the 30 compressions quickly: “1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30, off.”

8. Give the infant 2 more breaths. The chest should rise.

9. Continue CPR (30 chest compressions followed by 2 breaths, then repeat) for about 2 minutes.

10. After about 2 minutes of CPR, if the infant still does not have normal breathing, coughing, or any movement, leave the infant to call 911.

11. Repeat step 9 until the infant recovers or help arrives.

If the infant starts breathing again, place them in the recovery position. Periodically re-check for breathing until help arrives.

Update Date: 7/19/2007

Updated by: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: Greg Juhn, M.T.P.W., David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy. Previously reviewed by Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-RooseveltHospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed HealthcareNetwork (3/21/2006).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.