How to Give a Baby CPR

Take a class. Even if you can follow written directions, it can't hurt to take a class and get certified in infant and child CPR. You'll get to see these techniques performed in person and ask the instructor any questions.

Get rid of anything blocking the airways. If there is something in your child's mouth, try sweeping it out with your finger. If the airway seems blocked, perform first aid for a choking baby.

Shout and tap. Decide whether CPR is necessary. Call out your child's name and gently tap him on the shoulder. If there is no response and the baby is not breathing (or not breathing normally), position the infant on his back to begin CPR.

Remember CAB. According to the American Heart Association, performing CPR on a baby comes down to three steps:

Circulation:
1. Place the baby on his back on a firm, flat surface, such as the floor or table.
2. Place two fingers of one hand just below an imaginary horizontal line between baby's nipples.
3. Gently compress the chest, pumping at a rate of 100 compressions per minute.

Airway:
After 30 compressions, gently tip the head back one hand and lift his chin slightly with the other.

Breathing:
1. Cover the baby's mouth and nose with your mouth.
2. Give a gentle puff of air in baby's mouth, wait one second, and then give a second puff of air. Watch to see if the baby's chest rises. If it does, give another rescue breath. If the chest does not rise, repeat the head-tilt maneuver and then give the next breath.
3. Give two breaths after every 30 chest compressions.
4. Continue CPR until you see signs of life or until medical personnel arrive.

Call 911. If there is someone else at home with you, have her call for help immediately. If you're alone, you can start CPR. If after two minutes there is still no response, call 911. Once you give the emergency operator your info, you can continue to administer CPR until help arrives.

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