differences between infant and child CPR Topical Map Library Entry

Infant CPR (under 1 year) uses two fingers for single-rescuer compressions or the two-thumb encircling technique for two rescuers and compresses to about one-third the chest depth (~1.5 inches / 4 cm). Child CPR (ages 1 to puberty) uses the heel of one or two hands depending on rescuer size and compresses to about one-third the chest depth (~2 inches / 5 cm); compression rate and rescue-breath ratio otherwise match pediatric guidelines.

Start CPR if the infant or child is unresponsive and not breathing normally (agonal gasps are not normal breathing). For infants, open airway gently (neutral position), check for breathing for no more than 10 seconds, and begin rescue breaths and compressions immediately if absent; the basic decision threshold is the same for children but positioning and breath technique differ.

For infants give gentle puffs that cover the infant's mouth and nose simultaneously (mouth-to-mouth-and-nose) with small tidal volumes just enough to make the chest rise. For children (starting at age 1) give full mouth-to-mouth breaths that make the chest clearly rise, taking care to avoid overinflation in both age groups.

For single rescuer on both infants and children use 30 compressions to 2 breaths (30:2). For two rescuers on infants and children use 15:2 until professional help arrives or an AED is attached.

Yes—if a pediatric AED with dose-attenuating pads is unavailable, apply an adult AED to a child (age 1 and older) rather than delaying defibrillation. For infants under 1 year, use a pediatric attenuator if available; if none exists, many guidelines advise using an adult AED with appropriate pad placement rather than waiting.

Check responsiveness by tapping and shouting for a child; for an infant, tap the soles or flick the bottom of the foot and call loudly. Observe breathing for no more than 10 seconds—look for chest rise and normal breaths; infants’ chest movements are smaller so watch closely and listen for sounds.

Most pediatric arrests are respiratory in origin (airway obstruction, drowning, severe asthma) so early rescue breaths and airway management are a priority. In contrast to adults, sudden cardiac causes are less common in children, so ensure effective ventilations and oxygenation while providing high-quality compressions.

For conscious infants use five back blows followed by five chest thrusts, alternating until the object is expelled or consciousness is lost; for children over 1 year use the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) or back blows depending on size and rescuer training. If the child becomes unresponsive, begin CPR and check the mouth for visible obstructing objects before rescue breaths.

Yes—equipment sizing (mask, endotracheal tube, supraglottic device) and medication dosing (epinephrine, amiodarone) are weight-based; standard pediatric dosing charts or Broselow tape should be used to avoid errors. Content that provides downloadable, correctly referenced dosage charts and sizing guides is high-value for caregivers and clinicians.

Yes—trainers should emphasize age-specific techniques, equipment, and consent issues for minors; many organizations require instructors to demonstrate infant-specific skills (two-thumb technique, mouth-and-nose breaths). Legal protections (Good Samaritan laws) vary by jurisdiction and may have specific rules for minors in institutional settings like schools or daycares.