We all hope we’re never put in a position to save a baby’s life, but it can happen. And the best thing to do is to be prepared for that situation. However, babies can slip in the pool or tub, choke on toys or food, and get caught up in curtain cords and drawstrings. They’re little mischief seekers that often endanger themselves unknowingly. 

Therefore, we must equip ourselves with essential life-saving skills, like CPR, Heimlich Maneuver, or wound management. In this guide, we’ll explain and guide on how to perform CPR on a choking infant. The techniques for this differ from child to child and depending on their age. So, follow up on the guide and join a pediatric advanced life-saving course to acquire the necessary skills to save your baby’s or someone else’s child’s life. 

Here’s what you need to know:

For Babies Younger Than 12 Months

The techniques for CPR and choking differ for a child, depending on their. The following instructions are for a child less than a year old. Before you start CPR, you must address the choking hazard. Here’s how:

Choking 

First, you must assess if the baby is choking. If the baby suddenly can’t cough or cry, something might be blocking their airway, and you’ll need to help them to get it out. The baby may make odd, distressful noises or no sound while opening their mouth. And their skin might turn blue or red. 

However, if the baby is gagging or coughing, their airway might be partially blocked. In this case, let them cough. It’s one of the most effective ways to dislodge the blockage. 

Most of the time, you can handle these emergencies on your own. But in some cases, you may need to call 911, like:

1. You’ve seen the baby suddenly collapse.
2. The baby is at high risk for cardiac issues.
3. You suspect that the baby’s throat has swollen shut and they’re experiencing an allergic reaction to an insect bite or food. Or the baby may have an illness. 
4. The baby can’t cough up the object on their own. 

Therefore, call the authorities or 911. If your baby can’t cough up the object, start back blows and chest thrusts while keeping the emergency authorities on the phone. They’ll probably guide you through the process if you don’t know.

Dislodging The Obstruction

If the baby can’t breathe because of the obstruction, carefully position them to face up on one forearm while cradling the back of the head. And then place your other hand and forearm on their front so they’re covered front to back. Next, use your thumb and fingers to hold their jaw and turn them over so they’re face down over your thigh. Lower the front of your forearm slightly low so the baby’s head is lower than the chest. 

Now, use your hand’s heel to deliver five blows to the baby’s back, between the shoulder blades, to dislodge the foreign object while maintaining the support of their head with your fingers and thumb. 

If the object doesn’t dislodge, try chest thrusts. Thrust 1½ inches and allow the chest to return to its normal position. Do five chest thrusts and repeat back blows until the object dislodges. If the object dislodges and the baby can’t breathe. You’ll need to perform CPR.

Give CPR

Identify if the airway is clear by blowing into the mouth. If the chest inflates, the airway is clear. Next, place one hand on the baby’s forehead and two fingers in the center of the chest between the nipple line. Press 1½ inches into the chest, and let it return to its position. Press hard and quickly but keep the movement smooth. 

You should perform compressions at the rate of two per second. Count loud as you go with the rhythm of Staying Alive by Bee Gees. After every 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths and continue giving chest compressions until the medical professionals arrive because doing something is still better than nothing. And that just might make the difference between life and death.  

Don’t forget to tilt the baby’s head back when you blow into their mouth for the rescue breath and verify if their chest is rising. If the chest doesn’t rise, the airway might be blocked. You may open the infant’s mouth to check for a foreign object and remove it. After that, continue compressions immediately until the baby starts breathing again, the AED device is ready to use, or the medical professional arrives on the scene. 

Register Online For PALS Certification Course At CPR, ACLS&BLS Training Institute 

Pediatric life support certification can help you save a child’s life. If you’re looking for a reputable training institute for acls certification institute,basic life support certification online, PALS, CPR, and first-aid training courses, look no further than CPR, ACLS & BLS Training Institute. 

They provide CPR classes, basic life support certifications, and more. Visit their website or get in touch with them today to learn more about PALS certification. 

About The Author

Fiona, K. has been working at CPR, ACLS & BLS Training Institute for ten years and has coached hundreds of medical professionals, students, and individuals to learn essential life-saving skills. She also writes for acclaimed websites and magazines to educate readers about life-saving procedures and certifications.