Infant CPR & choking first aid

Check responsiveness & call for help

Tap the baby's foot and shout. If unresponsive and not breathing normally, have someone call 911 (or your local emergency number) and find an AED. If you're alone, do 2 minutes of CPR first, then call.

Position the baby

Place the baby on a firm, flat surface on their back. Keep the head in a neutral "sniffing" position — don't over-tilt a baby's small airway.

30 chest compressions

Place two fingers (or two thumbs encircling the chest) in the center of the chest, just below the nipple line. Push hard and fast — about 1.5 inches deep, 100–120 per minute. Let the chest fully recoil between pushes.

2 rescue breaths

Cover the baby's nose and mouth with your mouth. Give 2 gentle breaths, each over about 1 second — just enough to see the chest rise. Don't blow too hard.

Repeat 30:2

Continue cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths. Don't stop until the baby responds, help arrives, or an AED is ready to use.

Confirm it's a real blockage

If the baby can cough or cry, let them keep coughing — that's the best way to clear it. Act only if they can't breathe, cough, or make sound.

5 back blows

Lay the baby face-down along your forearm, head lower than chest, supporting the jaw. Give 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.

5 chest thrusts

Turn the baby face-up along your other forearm. Give 5 chest thrusts with two fingers in the center of the chest (same spot as CPR compressions).

Repeat until clear

Alternate 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts. If the baby becomes unresponsive, start CPR and call 911 immediately.