know how to
save baby’s life
Every parent should know infant CPR. Learn the basics, and sign up for a class. by Jennifer L.W. Fink
baby CPR, step-by-step Worried baby isn’t breathing? If he isn’t responding to your voice and touch, try flicking the bottom of his foot with your finger. No response? Move to Step 2.
step 2 call for help
Ask the person nearest you to call 911 immediately. If you’re alone, do two minutes of CPR on baby before calling 911—it’s important not to let him go long without oxygen.
step 3 open the airway
Place baby on a hard surface. Then, place one hand on baby’s forehead and tilt his head to a neutral position while pulling the bony part of his chin with two or three fingers of your other hand. Position your head just over baby’s nose and mouth and look down toward his chest. Look, listen and feel for baby’s breath. If you don’t hear or feel it or see his chest rise, go to Step 4.
step 4 if baby’s choking,
give two breaths
If you’re certain baby isn’t choking, skip rescue breaths and start chest compressions. Otherwise, place your mouth over baby’s nose and mouth, and give two gentle breaths to clear his airway. Watch for his chest to rise. If it doesn’t, retilt his head and give another rescue breath. If nothing, move to Step 5.
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step 5
start chest compressions
Keep one hand on baby’s forehead to keep the airway open. Slide two or three fingers to the middle of baby’s chest, just beneath his nipple line. Give 30 fast and firm chest compressions. Aim for at least 100 compressions per minute and push baby’s chest down about an inch and a half deep. Tip: Sing the Bee Gees song “Stayin’ Alive”— it moves at about 104 beats per minute. After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths.
step 6 keep going
Alternate 30 chest compressions, 2 breaths; 30 compressions, 2 breaths. Don’t stop CPR until you see an obvious sign that baby has responded, such as breathing or moving. Keep going until baby improves, medical help arrives, you’re too exhausted to continue or the scene becomes unsafe.
step 7 brush up
on the basics
Read this over and review it at least every three months; that’s about the time frame in which people start to forget what they learned about infant CPR. The Bump expert: Mary Rudolph of the American Red Cross
take a course These instructions don’t replace taking a class. Here are some local infant CPR courses— call ahead for dates and registration information. Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (215) 829-5020 Lankenau Medical Center (800) 422-7677 Philly CPR Classes (610) 470-9070 For more, visit RedCross.org
More important baby prep at TheBump.com/newborn thebump.com
alexandra grablewski
step 1 check for responsiveness