Baby CPR: The Complete Guide for New Parents
A step-by-step walkthrough of infant CPR — what to do, what not to do, and how to build the confidence to act when it matters most.
There’s a moment every new parent dreads: your baby goes quiet, turns blue, or stops breathing. In that moment, CPR training isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s the difference between panic and action. This guide walks you through exactly how to perform CPR on a baby (birth to 12 months), step by step, so you know what to do if that moment ever comes.
When Should You Start CPR on a Baby?
Start infant CPR when a baby is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Here’s how to assess that quickly:
- Check for responsiveness. Tap the bottom of the baby’s foot firmly and call their name loudly. Never shake a baby — this can cause brain injury.
- Check for breathing. Look at the chest for rising and falling. Listen and feel for breath near the baby’s nose and mouth. Take no more than 10 seconds to assess.
- If the baby is unresponsive and not breathing (or only gasping): Begin CPR immediately.
Step-by-Step: How to Perform CPR on a Baby
1Call for help
If someone is with you, point directly at them and say: “You — call 911 right now and find an AED.” Being specific cuts through panic and ensures someone acts while you start CPR.
If you’re alone, perform 2 minutes of CPR first (about 5 cycles of 30 compressions + 2 breaths), then call 911. For babies, the most common cause of cardiac arrest is a breathing problem, so starting CPR immediately gives the best chance of recovery.
2Position the baby
Place the baby face-up on a firm, flat surface — a table, the floor, or even a hard book on a soft surface. Remove any clothing covering the chest. Stand or kneel beside the baby so you’re positioned over their chest.
3Give 30 chest compressions
Place two fingers (index and middle finger) in the centre of the baby’s chest, just below the nipple line. (If two rescuers are present, the two-thumb encircling technique is preferred — wrap your hands around the baby’s torso and compress with both thumbs.)
- Depth: Push down approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm) — about one-third the depth of the chest.
- Rate: 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Push to the beat of “Staying Alive” by the Bee Gees — it’s almost exactly 100 BPM.
- Let the chest fully recoil between each compression. Don’t lean on the baby’s chest between pushes.
Count aloud: “1 and 2 and 3 and 4…” up to 30.
4Give 2 rescue breaths
After 30 compressions, open the airway by tilting the baby’s head back slightly (neutral position — don’t over-extend the neck). Lift the chin gently with one finger.
Seal your mouth over both the baby’s nose and mouth — their face is small enough to cover both. Give 2 gentle breaths, each lasting about 1 second. Watch for the chest to rise with each breath.
- If the chest doesn’t rise, re-tilt the head and try again.
- Use only enough air to make the chest visibly rise — don’t blow hard.
5Repeat: 30 compressions, 2 breaths
Continue the cycle of 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. Don’t stop unless:
- The baby starts breathing normally on their own
- Emergency medical services arrive and take over
- An AED is available and ready to use
- You become physically unable to continue (if so, switch with another rescuer)
Common Mistakes Parents Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Even in a training setting, these mistakes come up repeatedly. Knowing them in advance helps you avoid them when it counts.
Compressing too lightly. Many parents are afraid of hurting the baby, so they push too softly. A compression that’s too shallow won’t circulate blood effectively. Push to 1.5 inches — it should feel firm. Cracked ribs, while possible, are a secondary concern when a baby’s heart has stopped.
Forgetting to let the chest recoil. Leaning on the chest between compressions prevents the heart from refilling with blood. Lift your fingers slightly between each push — full recoil is just as important as compression depth.
Blowing too hard during rescue breaths. A baby’s lungs are tiny. A gentle puff — just enough to see the chest rise — is all you need. Blowing too hard can force air into the stomach or injure the lungs.
Over-extending the neck. Tilting a baby’s head too far back can actually close the airway. Keep the head in a neutral, slightly tilted position — imagine the baby is sniffing the air.
Stopping too soon. CPR can feel exhausting and endless. But studies show that longer CPR duration correlates with better outcomes. Keep going until paramedics arrive.
How to Build Confidence Before You Need It
Reading a guide is a start, but it’s not enough. Here’s how to go from “I know the steps” to “I can actually do this”:
Take a hands-on course. Life Safe’s CPR Level C course uses manikins with real-time feedback devices that measure your compression depth, rate, and recoil as you practise. You’ll know whether your technique actually works — not just hope it does. Courses are available across Ontario in Toronto, Hamilton, Welland, Guelph, and more.
Practise at home with the Life Safe CPR Coach app. Between classes, the Life Safe CPR Coach uses your phone’s camera and AI-powered hand tracking to give real-time feedback as you practise compressions on a pillow or cushion. It tracks your rate, depth, and consistency — so you can keep your skills sharp without waiting for your next recertification.
Review regularly. CPR skills fade within months if you don’t practise. Set a reminder to review this guide and do a quick practice session every few months — especially around milestones like when your baby starts solid foods (a common choking trigger).
Baby CPR vs. Child CPR vs. Adult CPR: Key Differences
The basic rhythm is the same (30:2), but the technique changes with age:
| Detail | Infant (0–12 months) | Child (1–8 years) | Adult (8+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand placement | 2 fingers, below nipple line | 1 or 2 hands, centre of chest | 2 hands, centre of chest |
| Compression depth | ~1.5 inches (4 cm) | ~2 inches (5 cm) | 2–2.4 inches (5–6 cm) |
| Compression rate | 100–120/min | 100–120/min | 100–120/min |
| Rescue breaths | Cover nose + mouth | Pinch nose, mouth-to-mouth | Pinch nose, mouth-to-mouth |
| Alone: call 911 when? | After 2 min of CPR | After 2 min of CPR | Immediately, before CPR |
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age is a baby considered an “infant” for CPR purposes?
An infant is a baby from birth up to 1 year old. After age 1, child CPR techniques apply, which use different hand placement and compression depth.
How deep should chest compressions be on a baby?
Approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm) — about one-third the depth of the baby’s chest. Use two fingers or the two-thumb encircling technique.
Should I do CPR if my baby is choking?
Not immediately. If a baby is choking but still conscious, perform back blows and chest thrusts first. Only begin CPR if the baby becomes unresponsive and stops breathing.
Can I practise baby CPR at home?
Yes. The Life Safe CPR Coach app uses your phone’s camera and AI-powered hand tracking to give real-time feedback on your technique. However, hands-on training with a certified instructor is the gold standard.
How fast should I do compressions on a baby?
100 to 120 compressions per minute. Push to the beat of “Staying Alive” by the Bee Gees — it’s almost exactly 100 BPM.
Learn Baby CPR Hands-On with Life Safe
Reading is a great start. But when it matters, you need muscle memory — and that only comes from practice. Our CPR Level C course includes infant CPR with real-time feedback manikins, so you leave knowing your technique actually works.
Find a class near you: Toronto • Downtown Toronto • East York • Hamilton • Welland • Guelph