HOW TO GIVE A BABY CPR 

How to give a baby CPR

How to Give CPR to a Baby (0–1 year old)

This is not a substitute for certified training. Whenever possible, take an infant CPR course through the Red Cross, American Heart Association, or local hospital.
If a baby is unresponsive or not breathing, call 911 immediately.

I’m including a gentle visual reference and then step-by-step instructions based on the American Heart Association (AHA) and Red Cross infant CPR guidelines.

Infant CPR (0–12 months): Step-by-step

1. Check for responsiveness

  • Tap the baby’s foot or gently flick the bottom of their foot.
  • Call their name.
    If no response: shout for help.

2. Call 911

If you are alone:

  • Give 2 minutes of CPR first, then call 911.
    If someone is with you:
  • Have them call 911 immediately while you start CPR.

3. Check for breathing

  • Look for chest movement.
  • Listen for breaths.
  • Feel for air on your cheek.

If the baby is not breathing or only gasping:  start CPR.

4. Give 30 chest compressions

How to do compressions on an infant:

  • Place two fingers (index + middle finger) in the center of the chest, just below the nipple line.
  • Press straight down about 1.5 inches (4 cm).
  • Let the chest fully rise between compressions.
  • Compress at a rate of 100–120 per minute
    (Think: Stayin’ Alive, or Hot to go tempo)

Count out loud:

“1, 2, 3…” up to 30.

Give 2 rescue breaths

How to give breaths safely:

  • Place baby’s head in a neutral position (do NOT tilt like adults).
  • Place your mouth over both the baby’s nose and mouth, making a seal.
  • Give 2 gentle breaths, each lasting 1 second.

You should see:

  • The baby’s chest rising, then falling.

If the chest does not rise:

  • Reposition the head
  • Try the breath again (neutral head position is key)

6. Continue cycles of CPR

Repeat:

  • 30 compressions
  • 2 breaths

Keep going until:

  • The baby starts breathing
  • Emergency help arrives
  • You become unable to continue

If the baby is choking and becomes unresponsive

  • Start CPR immediately.
  • After each set of compressions, look in the mouth for the object.
  • If you see it, remove it gently.
  • Do not do blind finger sweeps.

Simple summary

  • 30 compressions
  • 2 breaths
  • Fast (100–120/min)
  • 1.5-inch depth
  • Neutral head position
  • Call 911 as soon as possible

This guide is for emergency reference, but does not replace CPR certification.

Taking a real class makes a huge difference in confidence and skill.