Infant CPR

the Babble Staff

Infants are small and delicate, but this doesn't mean there aren't ways of performing CPR on them, should the need arise. You just have to use methods that are slightly different than those used on adults. If a baby chokes, is in an accident, or for some other reason isn't breathing or circulating blood the way he should, CPR can kickstart those functions. Experts recommend you learn CPR from an instructor rather than from a book or website. While it's possible to get the general idea from a manual, the finer points are best taught by a certified professional. The American Heart Association, local hospitals, and the Red Cross all provide tutorials and courses. The Red Cross has certified instructors who will visit your house and give individual or group lessons — "Safe Baby Presentations." You might want to consider assembling the various people who are responsible for caring for your baby for a collective lesson on how to keep him safe.

"We'd all like to think that we'll never be put in the position of having to save our baby's life, but it could happen. Babies choke on food and toys, slip under the water in the tub or a pool, and get caught in drawstrings and curtain cords. If your baby is ever choking or suddenly lifeless, you'll want to know what to do." ...read the full article

"Since the average response time for an ambulance can be up to 10 to 12 minutes, parents should be prepared and know what to do in an emergency, including knowing CPR." ...read the full article

"Every parent should know how and when to administer CPR. When performed correctly, CPR can save a child's life by restoring breathing and circulation until advanced life support can be given by health care providers." ...read the full article

"[The] 'Safe Baby Presentation' service, [is] a non-certified orientation to infant CPR, which makes learning the lifesaving skill convenient and fun by delivering it in a 'party' setting — a gathering of parents, family and friends. [. . .] Targeted to parents, caregivers and other family members, the approximately one hour 'Safe Baby Presentation' is ideal for those interested in learning infant CPR, but who do not need certification for official purposes such as a work or volunteer position requirement." ...read the full article

"Infants, just as children, have a much better chance of survival if CPR is performed immediately. If you are alone with the infant, do not dial 9-1-1 until after you have made an attempt to resuscitate the victim." ...read the full article