When a child suddenly stops breathing or their heart stops beating, every second counts. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can make the difference between life and death. While the idea of performing CPR can feel overwhelming, knowing what to do can help you act quickly and confidently. This guide walks you through the steps of performing CPR on infants and children until professional help arrives.

Before You Begin – Assess the Situation

Your first priority is safety. Make sure the area is safe for both you and the child before approaching.

1. Check for responsiveness: Tap the child gently on the shoulder and shout, “Are you okay?” For infants, flick the bottom of the foot or tap gently on the chest.
2. No response? Shout for help. If someone is nearby, have them call 911 and get an AED (automated external defibrillator) if available. If you’re alone, call 911 yourself—use speakerphone so you can start CPR while talking to the dispatcher.
3. Lay the child on their back on a firm, flat surface and begin assessing breathing.

Check for Breathing

Tilt the child’s head back slightly and lift the chin to open the airway. Place your ear near the child’s mouth and nose while looking at the chest.

• Look for chest movement.
• Listen for breathing sounds.
• Feel for air on your cheek.

If the child is not breathing normally or is only gasping, begin CPR immediately.

Start with 30 Chest Compressions

Unlike adult CPR, where compressions always come first, for children and infants you may start with compressions unless you witnessed the collapse and suspect a breathing problem (such as drowning). In that case, give 2 rescue breaths first. Otherwise, start with compressions.

For children (ages 1 to puberty):

• Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, just below the nipple line.
• Press down about 2 inches (5 cm) deep.
• Perform 30 compressions at a rate of 100–120 per minute (think of a steady rhythm, a little faster than one per second).
• Allow the chest to fully rise between compressions.

For infants (under 1 year):

• Use two fingers in the center of the chest, just below the nipple line.
• Press down about 1½ inches (4 cm) deep.
• Perform 30 compressions at the same rate.

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Child CPR: Step-by-Step Guide

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In an emergency, knowing how to perform CPR on a child can save a life. This step-by-step guide explains how to assess the situation, give chest compressions and rescue breaths, and use an AED until help arrives.

Give 2 Rescue Breaths

After 30 compressions, open the airway again by tilting the head back and lifting the chin.

• For children: Pinch the nose shut, cover the mouth with yours, and give 2 gentle breaths, each lasting about 1 second, watching for the chest to rise.
• For infants: Cover both the mouth and nose with your mouth and give 2 small puffs of air—just enough to make the chest rise.

If the chest doesn’t rise, reposition the head and try again. If it still doesn’t rise, check for a visible obstruction and remove it if possible.

Continue CPR

Keep repeating cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until:

• The child starts breathing normally,
• An AED is ready to use,
• Professional help arrives, or
• You are too exhausted to continue.

If you are alone and did not witness the collapse, perform CPR for about 2 minutes (roughly 5 cycles) before leaving to call 911 and get an AED.

Using an AED

If an AED is available:

1. Turn it on and follow the voice prompts.
2. Use pediatric pads if available. If not, use adult pads—place one on the center of the chest and the other on the back, making sure they don’t touch.
3. Follow the AED’s instructions. It will tell you when to deliver a shock and when to resume CPR.

Continue CPR as directed until emergency responders take over.

When the Child Starts Breathing Again

If the child begins breathing normally but remains unresponsive, place them in the recovery position (on their side with the head tilted slightly back to keep the airway open). Monitor their breathing and be ready to restart CPR if it stops. Keep the child warm and calm until help arrives.

After the Emergency

Even if the child seems fine afterward, they should always be evaluated by medical professionals. A period without oxygen can have hidden effects that need medical attention. It’s also normal for rescuers to feel shaken after such an event—don’t hesitate to seek emotional support if you need it.

Learn CPR Before You Need It

Knowing CPR can save a life. Consider taking a certified CPR and first aid course through organizations like the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. Hands-on practice helps you feel more confident and prepared to act quickly if an emergency ever happens.