Infant CPR is soooo important to know! I have taught this in the classroom setting for the last 4 years. I can’t tell you how many new parents were so alarmed that they didn’t know anything about infant CPR and were so happy they took the class! I do recommend that you take a class if you are able to. However, if you can’t or you need a reminder here are the steps (according to The American Heart Associatiion). (Also, this book is a great resource to help with Adult, Child, and Infant CPR).
- Step 1: Place the infant on a firm, flat surface.
- Step 2: Place 2 fingers in the center of the infant’s chest, just below the nipple line, on the lower half of the breastbone. Do not press the tip of the breastbone.
- Step 3: Push hard and fast at the depth of at least one third the depth of the chest (about 1 1/2 inches/4cm). Deliver compressions at a rate of 100-120/minute. 30 Compressions.
- Step 4: At the end of each compression, make sure you allow the chest to fully recoil (re-expand); do not lean on the chest.
- Step 5: Then, give the infant 2 breaths. The only amount of air needed is the air that you hold in your mouth. (Meaning, no need to take a big deep breath for the baby’s little lungs). (Try to minimize interruptions between compression sets to less than 10 seconds.)
Again, I recommend you try to take a local class. Because hands on practice is always best!!! Also, you can check out my YouTube video with 5 tips about Infant CPR!