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This is a life-threatening emergency. Call 911 immediately, then follow these steps while waiting for help.

CPR for Infants (Under 1 Year)

Content reviewed against published AHA, AAP, Red Cross guidelines

Editorial policy

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Infant CPR is performed when a baby is unresponsive and not breathing normally. The technique uses 2 fingers for chest compressions at a 30:2 ratio with rescue breaths. Every second counts — begin CPR immediately.

Immediate actions

  • Call 911 immediately
  • Check for responsiveness — tap the sole of the foot and call baby's name
  • DO NOT: Do NOT shake the baby to check for responsiveness

Step-by-Step Response

1

Check for responsiveness

Tap the bottom of baby's foot firmly. Call their name loudly. If no response, proceed immediately.

2

Call for help

Shout for someone to call 911. If alone, perform 2 minutes (5 cycles) of CPR first, then call 911 with baby nearby.

3

Position the baby

Place baby on a firm, flat surface (floor, table). Remove clothing from chest if possible.

4

Open the airway

Gently tilt head back to neutral position (not hyperextended) with one hand on forehead. Lift chin with fingertips of other hand. Do not press on soft tissue under chin.

5

Check for breathing

Look, listen, and feel for breathing for no more than 10 seconds. Gasping is NOT normal breathing. If not breathing or only gasping, begin CPR.

6

Give 30 chest compressions

Place 2 fingers on the breastbone just below the nipple line. Push down about 1.5 inches (one-third of chest depth). Compress at a rate of 100-120 per minute. Allow full chest recoil between compressions.

7

Give 2 rescue breaths

Cover baby's mouth AND nose with your mouth to create a seal. Give 2 gentle breaths, each lasting about 1 second. Watch for chest rise. If chest doesn't rise, re-tilt head and try again.

8

Continue 30:2 cycles

Continue cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths. Do not stop unless: baby starts breathing, emergency help arrives, you are too exhausted, or an AED becomes available.

9

If you have an AED

Use pediatric pads if available. If only adult pads are available, use them — place one on chest and one on back. Follow AED prompts. Resume CPR immediately after shock if directed.

What NOT to Do

  • ✕Do NOT shake the baby to check for responsiveness
  • ✕Do NOT use the palm or heel of your hand for compressions — use 2 fingers only
  • ✕Do NOT compress too deep — aim for about 1.5 inches (one-third chest depth)
  • ✕Do NOT tilt the head back too far — overextension can block infant airways
  • ✕Do NOT stop CPR until emergency services arrive or baby starts breathing
  • ✕Do NOT delay CPR to look for a pulse if you are not trained to do so

When to Seek Help

Call 911 if:

  • Baby is unresponsive and not breathing
  • Baby is only gasping (not normal breathing)
  • Baby has no pulse (if you are trained to check)
  • Baby was found face-down and is not responding
  • After any near-drowning or submersion event
  • After any choking episode where baby becomes unresponsive

Go to ER if:

  • Any baby who required CPR must go to the ER — no exceptions
  • Baby recovered but is lethargic, pale, or not acting normally
  • Baby had a near-SIDS event or apparent life-threatening event (ALTE)

Call your doctor if:

  • After any CPR event, even if baby recovers — baby must be evaluated
  • Baby had a brief period of not breathing but resumed on their own
  • You witnessed an apnea episode (baby stopped breathing briefly)

Age-Specific Guidance

0-12 months

Use infant CPR technique: 2-finger compressions on lower breastbone, cover mouth AND nose for breaths. Do not hyperextend the neck — keep in neutral "sniffing" position.

1-8 years

Switch to child CPR: use the heel of one hand for compressions on the lower half of the breastbone. Pinch nose and cover mouth only for breaths. Compress about 2 inches deep.

Prevention

  • Always place baby on their back to sleep (reduces SIDS risk)
  • Keep crib free of blankets, pillows, bumpers, and toys
  • Never bed-share with an infant, especially if you smoke or have been drinking
  • Take an infant CPR class — practice on a mannequin so muscle memory is ready
  • Ensure all caregivers (grandparents, babysitters) know infant CPR
  • Keep baby's sleep environment firm and flat
  • Never leave baby unattended in water — even an inch can cause drowning

Frequently asked questions

Should I call 911 for cpr for infants (under 1 year)?
Yes. Baby is unresponsive and not breathing
What should I do first?
Check for responsiveness — tap the sole of the foot and call baby's name. If no response, shout for help and have someone call 911. If alone, perform 2 minutes of CPR before calling 911. Place baby on a firm, flat surface. Begin chest compressions immediately if baby is not breathing or only gasping
What should I NOT do?
Do NOT shake the baby to check for responsiveness. Do NOT use the palm or heel of your hand for compressions — use 2 fingers only. Do NOT compress too deep — aim for about 1.5 inches (one-third chest depth). Do NOT tilt the head back too far — overextension can block infant airways. Do NOT stop CPR until emergency services arrive or baby starts breathing. Do NOT delay CPR to look for a pulse if you are not trained to do so
How can I prevent this?
Always place baby on their back to sleep (reduces SIDS risk). Keep crib free of blankets, pillows, bumpers, and toys. Never bed-share with an infant, especially if you smoke or have been drinking

Sources

AHAAAPRED CROSS

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources

Related Emergency Guides

choking infantdrowning nearbreathing emergency

Bottom line

This is a serious emergency. Always call 911 first, then follow the steps above while help is on the way.

You are doing the right thing by learning what to do in an emergency. Being prepared is one of the best things you can do for your child.