The Essential CPR Steps For Baby: A Comprehensive Guide

Knowing the steps for performing CPR on a baby can be crucial in the event of a cardiac or breathing emergency. While it’s something we hope we never have to do, it’s important to be prepared. Even if you’ve taken a class in child CPR, it’s a good idea to keep the steps handy so that you can quickly and confidently act if the need arises.

Before Performing CPR On A Baby Or Child

Performing CPR on a baby can be a daunting task, but it’s important to act quickly in an emergency situation. The first step is to check the scene for safety and make sure there are no immediate dangers. Then, form an initial impression of the baby’s condition and obtain consent from the parent or guardian before proceeding. It’s also important to use personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect yourself and the baby from any potential infections.

In the event that a baby appears unresponsive, it’s important to act quickly and follow these CPR steps. First, check for responsiveness by shouting and tapping the bottom of the baby’s foot. If the baby does not respond, shout again while checking for breathing, life-threatening bleeding, or any other obvious life-threatening condition. It’s important to check for no more than 10 seconds. For a child, the same steps apply, but instead of tapping the bottom of the foot, tap the child’s shoulder. Remember to shout and use the child’s name if you know it.

Performing Baby And Child CPR

Place The Baby Or Child On A Firm, Flat Surface

For a baby, kneel or stand to the baby’s side with your hips at a slight angle and for a child kneel next to the child.

Give 30 Compressions

For A Baby

Please your thumbs on the centre of the baby’s chest side by side below the nipple line. Encircle your baby’s chest towards the back using your fingers while providing support. Push down fast and hard approximately one-third the depth of the chest (about one and a half inches) using both thumbs at a rate of at least 100 per minute. Allow the baby’s chest to return position in between compressions.

For A Small Child

Use a one-handed CPR technique by placing the heel of your hand in the centre of the child’s chest and push down hard and fast about two inches at a rate of at least 100 per minute.

For A Child

Place the heel of one hand on the centre of the child’s chest, with your other hand on top, interlacing your fingers off the child’s chest. Keep your arms straight and your shoulders directly above your hands, with your elbows locked. Push down hard and fast about two inches at a rate of at least 100 per minute, allowing the chest to return back to position in between compressions.

Give Two Breaths

For a baby open the airway to a neutral position by putting one hand on the baby’s forehead and two fingertips from your other hand on the baby’s chin to tilt the head.

For a child open the airway to a position slightly past neutral by putting one hand on the child’s forehead and two fingertips from your other hand on the chin to tilt the head.

Blow into the baby or child’s mouth for one second and ensure the chest rises and allow the air to exit before repeating for a second time. If the chest does not rise reposition the head before trying again. If the chest is still not rising there may be something blocking the airway.

Continue With 30 Chest Compressions And Two Breaths

Continue with chest compressions and breaths until help arrives or until you see obvious signs of life.