As a parent, ensuring a baby’s safety is one of the most important responsibilities you have. Accidents happen unexpectedly, and knowing what to do in an emergency can make all the difference. Baby CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a vital skill that can save lives, especially when an infant stops breathing or becomes unresponsive. This guide will walk you through how to do baby CPR, covering the essential steps in a simple and easy-to-follow manner.

Illustration of a parent listening and looking for breathing, about to perform baby CPR, using two fingers for chest compressions on an infant lying flat on a surface, and will give rescue breathes.

Why Learning Baby CPR is Essential

Should a baby face sudden breathing issues due to choking, drowning, or even medical conditions, acting fast is crucial. CPR helps maintain blood flow and oxygen supply to a baby’s brain and vital organs until professional help arrives.

For parents, grandparents, and anyone who works with infants, having basic CPR training could be life-saving. With baby CPR training you gain the confidence and skills needed to respond quickly and efficiently in a crisis.

Understanding the Difference: Baby CPR vs. Adult CPR

Before diving into the steps of infant CPR, it’s important to know the key differences between adult and baby CPR. Babies under 1 year of age require a much gentler approach due to their smaller, more delicate bodies. The compression depth is shallower, and the rescue breaths need to be softer. Also, the ratio of compressions to breaths differs.

Now, let’s go through the critical steps to do infant CPR.


Steps to Do Baby CPR

If you notice that a baby isn’t breathing or is unresponsive, it’s important to act immediately. Here’s a step-by-step guide to performing CPR on an infant:

1. Check Responsiveness

Before starting CPR, make sure the baby is indeed unresponsive. Gently tap the baby’s foot or shoulder and call their name to check if they react. If there is no response, call for help or ask someone nearby to dial emergency services (e.g., 911) while you begin CPR.

2. Place the Baby on a Firm Surface

Lay the baby flat on their back on a firm, flat surface like the floor or a sturdy table. Ensure the baby’s head is not tilted too far back, as this may block their airway.

3. Check for Breathing

Look, listen, and feel for breathing. Place your cheek near the baby’s mouth and nose to see if you can feel or hear any breath. Watch their chest to see if it rises and falls. If the baby isn’t breathing or is only gasping, you need to begin CPR immediately.

4. Give Chest Compressions

To perform chest compressions on a baby:

  • Place two fingers in the center of the baby’s chest, just below the nipple line.
  • Push down about 1.5 inches (4 cm) and then release, allowing the chest to rise back up.
  • Repeat at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. An easy way to keep the pace is to count out loud: “One and two and three…” or follow the rhythm of a song like “Stayin’ Alive.”

The compressions help circulate oxygen-rich blood to the baby’s brain and vital organs.

5. Give Rescue Breaths

After 30 chest compressions, it’s time to give two rescue breaths:

  • Gently tilt the baby’s head back slightly to open the airway.
  • Seal your mouth over the baby’s nose and mouth.
  • Give one gentle breath, just enough to make the chest rise.
  • After the first breath, watch for the chest to fall, then give the second breath.

Make sure the breaths are soft and don’t overfill the baby’s lungs.

6. Continue Cycles of 30:2

Keep performing 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. Continue this cycle until help arrives or the baby starts breathing again. If there’s another person nearby who knows CPR, you can take turns giving compressions and breaths to avoid fatigue.

7. What to Do If the Baby Starts Breathing

If the baby starts breathing on their own before help arrives, turn them onto their side in a recovery position to keep their airway open. Continue to monitor their breathing closely.


When to Take a Baby CPR Course

Reading about CPR is a good start, but it’s no substitute for hands-on practice. Enrolling in a baby CPR course is highly recommended for parents, grandparents, preschool teachers, and anyone who cares for infants. These courses offer guided training on how to do baby CPR under professional supervision, ensuring you’re ready for real-life situations.

A baby CPR training course will teach you:

  • The proper technique for chest compressions and rescue breaths.
  • How to respond in choking emergencies.
  • How to recognise when a baby is in distress.

We offer courses in the comfort of your home or workplace, so consider booking your training today.


Every second counts in an emergency, and knowing the steps to do baby CPR could save a life. Although performing CPR on a baby might feel overwhelming, practicing these steps and familiarising yourself with the process will prepare you to act with confidence. Taking a baby CPR course is the best way to ensure you’re ready for any situation that may arise.

Stay calm, act fast, and always remember that your preparedness could make all the difference.