CPR for Children & Infants: Key Differences You Must Know

Children and infants are not just “small adults.” Their bodies — and emergencies — require a different approach when performing CPR. If you’ve only learned adult CPR, there are critical differences you must know to help save a young life safely and effectively.

This guide follows the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines to help you respond confidently to emergencies involving infants and children.

CPR for Children (1 Year to Puberty)

Key Steps:

1. Check Responsiveness & Breathing

   • Tap the child’s shoulder and shout.

   • If unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 911.

2. Chest Compressions

   • Use one or two hands depending on the size of the child.

   • Push about 2 inches deep at 100–120 compressions per minute.

   • Allow full chest recoil between compressions.

3. Rescue Breaths

   • After 30 compressions, give 2 breaths (or 15:2 if two rescuers).

   • Tilt the head back slightly, pinch nose shut, cover mouth with yours, and watch chest rise.

4. Use AED as Soon as Available

   • Use pediatric pads if available; if not, use adult pads but don’t let them touch.

CPR for Infants (Under 1 Year)

Key Steps:

1. Check Responsiveness & Breathing

   • Tap the bottom of the foot and shout.

   • Call 911 if no response.

2. Chest Compressions

   • Use two fingers just below the nipple line.

   • Push about 1.5 inches deep at 100–120 compressions per minute.

3. Rescue Breaths

   • Seal your mouth over the infant’s nose and mouth.

   • Give gentle puffs of air (1 second each) — just enough to see the chest rise.

4. AED Use

   • Use pediatric pads if possible. Place one pad on the chest and one on the back if pads are close to touching.

Other Important Differences

• Compression-to-Breath Ratio:

  • Single rescuer: 30:2 for both children and infants.

  • Two rescuers: 15:2 for both.

• Breathing Volume:

  • Use smaller, gentler breaths for infants and young children.

• Call vs. Care Sequence:

  • For children and infants, if alone and without a phone, give 2 minutes of CPR before leaving to call 911.

Quick Tips

• Keep infant and child CPR skills fresh with renewal every 2 years.

• Practice on pediatric manikins for realistic feedback.

• Remember: doing something is better than nothing — even if you’re unsure.

CPR for children and infants requires gentler, more careful technique than adult CPR. Knowing these differences could save a life when seconds matter most.

Tomorrow’s article: Forklift Pedestrian Safety: Creating Safer Work Zones.