Baby Safety: Infant CPR

While it is a skill we all hope we will never have to use, it is important for people to learn how to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to not only adults, but infants and children as well, to potentially save a life in the instance of a medical emergency. Learning how to administer CPR to infants and children is especially important for expectant or new parents, grandparents, babysitters, older siblings and any other individuals who often serve as caregivers for these age groups.
The American Heart Association now recommends for “family and friends” CPR, that if a child or infant is not responding after having their name called out or being tapped, and if they aren’t breathing, it is time to begin CPR. Taking the time to check their pulse can waste precious seconds in the instance of an emergency. Infants’ and children’s lips often turn blue quickly if they have stopped breathing; this can be another important sign to indicate the need for CPR if the individual is unresponsive.