baby & child CPR
this guide is for reference only. it does not replace hands-on CPR training. every parent should do a first aid course — see course options at the bottom of this page.
DRSABCD action plan
danger
check for danger to yourself, bystanders, and the child
response
check for response — tap the child's foot (baby) or shoulders (child), call their name
send for help
call 000 (or ask someone else to call). put on speaker phone.
airway
open the airway — tilt head back gently (neutral for babies, slight tilt for children)
breathing
look, listen, and feel for breathing for up to 10 seconds
CPR
if not breathing normally, start CPR: 30 compressions, 2 breaths
defibrillator
attach an AED if available — follow the voice prompts
CPR for babies (under 1 year)
- 1
place baby on a firm, flat surface
on their back
- 2
open the airway
tilt the head to a neutral position (face pointing to the ceiling). don't tilt too far back.
- 3
give 2 rescue breaths
cover the baby's mouth AND nose with your mouth. give 2 gentle puffs — just enough to see the chest rise. each breath over 1 second.
- 4
start chest compressions
use 2 fingers (index and middle) in the centre of the chest, just below the nipple line. push down approximately 1/3 of the chest depth. push hard and fast — 100–120 compressions per minute.
- 5
30 compressions, then 2 breaths
continue this ratio. don't stop until help arrives, the baby starts breathing, or you are physically unable to continue.
CPR for children (1–8 years)
- 1
place child on a firm, flat surface
on their back
- 2
open the airway
tilt the head back slightly (more than a baby, less than an adult). lift the chin.
- 3
give 2 rescue breaths
pinch the nose closed. seal your mouth over the child's mouth. give 2 breaths — enough to see the chest rise.
- 4
start chest compressions
use the heel of one hand in the centre of the chest. push down approximately 1/3 of the chest depth. push hard and fast — 100–120 compressions per minute.
- 5
30 compressions, then 2 breaths
continue this ratio until help arrives, the child starts breathing, or you are physically unable to continue.
baby vs child CPR — key differences
| baby (under 1) | child (1–8) | |
|---|---|---|
| compressions | 2 fingers | heel of 1 hand |
| breaths | cover mouth + nose | pinch nose, mouth to mouth |
| head tilt | neutral (face up) | slight tilt back |
| depth | 1/3 chest depth | 1/3 chest depth |
| rate | 100–120/min | 100–120/min |
| ratio | 30:2 | 30:2 |
first aid courses for parents
hands-on training is the best way to prepare. these organisations run baby and child first aid courses across Australia:
- •St John Ambulance — baby and child first aid courses (3–4 hours), available in all states
- •Red Cross — first aid courses including infant CPR modules
- •CPR Kids — specialised baby and child first aid courses for parents (online and in-person)
- •Tiny Hearts Education — popular baby first aid courses (online and workshops)
- •your local hospital or community health centre — many run free or low-cost sessions for new parents
related guides
this guide is for reference only and does not replace hands-on first aid training. CPR guidelines are based on Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) recommendations. in an emergency, always call 000.