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

Unresponsive Baby

Content reviewed against published AHA, AAP, NHS guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

An unresponsive baby who is not reacting to stimulation requires immediate emergency action. Check for breathing, begin CPR if needed, and call 911 without delay.

Immediate actions

  • Call 911 immediately
  • Check for responsiveness — tap the soles of the feet and call the baby's name loudly
  • DO NOT: Do NOT shake the baby to try to wake them

Step-by-Step Response

1

Check responsiveness

Tap the baby's foot firmly and call their name loudly. Flick the sole of the foot. Look for any movement, eye opening, or crying.

2

Call for help

If baby does not respond, shout for help. Have someone call 911. If alone, perform 2 minutes of CPR before calling.

3

Open the airway

Place baby on a firm, flat surface. Tilt head back slightly (neutral position for infants) and lift chin. Do not over-extend the neck.

4

Check breathing

Look for chest rise, listen for breath sounds, and feel for air on your cheek. Take no more than 10 seconds. Gasping is NOT normal breathing.

5

If not breathing: begin CPR

Give 2 rescue breaths (cover mouth and nose). Then give 30 chest compressions using 2 fingers on the breastbone just below the nipple line. Push 1.5 inches deep at 100-120 per minute.

6

Continue CPR

Alternate 30 compressions and 2 breaths. Do not stop until baby responds, EMS arrives, or you are physically unable to continue.

7

If baby starts breathing

Place in recovery position (on their side) while maintaining airway. Monitor breathing continuously until help arrives. Be ready to resume CPR if breathing stops again.

What NOT to Do

  • ✕Do NOT shake the baby to try to wake them
  • ✕Do NOT splash water on the baby
  • ✕Do NOT delay calling 911 while trying to figure out what is wrong
  • ✕Do NOT move the baby unnecessarily if a spinal injury is suspected
  • ✕Do NOT give the baby anything by mouth

When to Seek Help

Call 911 if:

  • Baby is unresponsive to stimulation
  • Baby is not breathing or only gasping
  • Baby is limp and floppy
  • Baby is blue or very pale
  • Any situation where CPR is needed

Go to ER if:

  • Any episode of unresponsiveness, even if baby appears to recover
  • Baby had a color change (blue, pale, or grey) with reduced responsiveness
  • Baby went limp or stiff unexpectedly
  • Baby stopped breathing even briefly

Call your doctor if:

  • Baby was briefly unresponsive but recovered — still needs emergency evaluation
  • Baby is unusually drowsy or difficult to wake from sleep
  • Baby had a "brief resolved unexplained event" (BRUE) — went limp, changed color, or stopped breathing momentarily

Age-Specific Guidance

0-3 months

Newborns may appear unresponsive when in deep sleep. Gently stimulate before panicking. However, if baby does not respond to firm stimulation, act immediately. SIDS risk is highest in this period.

3-12 months

Common causes include choking, suffocation from soft bedding, infection, or accidental ingestion. Check the environment for clues about what happened.

1-3 years

Consider poisoning, head injury, drowning, or febrile seizure as potential causes. Check for evidence of what the child may have gotten into. Provide this information to EMS.

Prevention

  • Always place babies on their back to sleep on a firm, flat surface
  • Keep cribs free of pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, and bumper pads
  • Never co-sleep on a couch or armchair
  • Keep medications, cleaning products, and small objects out of reach
  • Learn infant CPR — all caregivers should be trained
  • Use a pacifier at sleep time (after breastfeeding is established)
  • Do not overdress baby or overheat the sleep environment

Frequently asked questions

Should I call 911 for unresponsive baby?
Yes. Baby is unresponsive to stimulation
What should I do first?
Check for responsiveness — tap the soles of the feet and call the baby's name loudly. If no response, call 911 immediately. Check for breathing — look, listen, and feel for no more than 10 seconds. If not breathing normally, begin infant CPR immediately
What should I NOT do?
Do NOT shake the baby to try to wake them. Do NOT splash water on the baby. Do NOT delay calling 911 while trying to figure out what is wrong. Do NOT move the baby unnecessarily if a spinal injury is suspected. Do NOT give the baby anything by mouth
How can I prevent this?
Always place babies on their back to sleep on a firm, flat surface. Keep cribs free of pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, and bumper pads. Never co-sleep on a couch or armchair

Sources

AHAAAPNHS

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

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources

Related Emergency Guides

cpr infantcpr toddlerbreathing emergencychoking infant

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.