Discovering that a baby has stopped breathing is every parent or carer’s worst fear. In these moments, acting quickly and confidently can save a life. Infant CPR is different from adult CPR, and knowing the correct steps is essential for nurseries, childminders, and anyone caring for babies under one year old.
This guide brings together trusted UK first‑aid advice to help you understand exactly what to do in an emergency.
- Check for Danger and Responsiveness
Before approaching the baby, make sure the area is safe. Then gently tap the bottom of the baby’s foot or stroke their arm to check for a response. Babies should never be shaken. If they do not respond, shout for help immediately.
- Call 999 Immediately
If the baby is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 999 straight away. Put your phone on loudspeaker so the call handler can guide you through CPR.
If you are alone, give five rescue breaths first, then call 999.
- Open the Airway
Place one hand on the baby’s forehead and gently tilt the head back to a neutral position—not too far back, as over‑extending can block the airway. Lift the chin with one fingertip.
- Check for Breathing (No More Than 10 Seconds)
Look for chest movement, listen for breath sounds, and feel for air on your cheek. Gasping or irregular breaths are not normal breathing. If you are unsure, treat it as not breathing.
- Give Five Initial Rescue Breaths
Infant cardiac arrest is usually caused by breathing problems, so CPR begins with breaths.
- Cover the baby’s mouth and nose with your mouth to form a seal.
- Blow gently for one second, just enough to see the chest rise.
- Allow the chest to fall.
- Repeat five times.
If the chest does not rise, reposition the head and try again.
- Begin Chest Compressions (30:2)
Place two fingers in the centre of the baby’s chest, just below the nipple line.
- Press down to one‑third of the chest depth (around 4 cm).
- Give 30 compressions at a rate of 100–120 per minute.
- Follow with two rescue breaths.
- Continue the cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths.
Do not stop unless the baby starts breathing normally or emergency help takes over.
- If the Baby Starts Breathing
If the baby begins to breathe normally, place them in the recovery position and continue to monitor their breathing until help arrives.
Why Training Matters
Infant CPR is a skill that can make the difference between life and death. While guides like this are invaluable, nothing replaces hands‑on practice with a qualified trainer. At Flowers Training, we deliver accredited Paediatric First Aid courses across Essex, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, giving parents, nurseries, and childcare professionals the confidence to act fast in an emergency.
