The Ultimate Guide to Infant CPR Ratios

As a parent or caregiver, one of the scariest things that can happen is when a baby stops breathing. If you ever find yourself in this situation, it’s important to know how to take quick action and save your baby’s life.

Infant CPR is a life-saving skill that everyone who takes care of babies should learn. A key part of infant CPR is understanding the infant CPR ratio, which is the number of chest compressions to rescue breaths you should give.

In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about infant CPR ratios. We’ll discuss the difference between one-rescuer and two-rescuer CPR, common mistakes people make, and why it’s so important to get trained.

1 Rescuer Infant CPR Ratio

If you’re the only person around to help a baby who isn’t breathing, you’ll need to use the 1 rescuer infant CPR ratio. The American Heart Association says this ratio is 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths. Here’s what that means:

• Give 30 chest compressions,
• Give 2 rescue breaths,
• Keep repeating this 30:2 pattern until help arrives or the baby starts breathing again.

To start CPR, check for a pulse on the side of the child’s neck (carotid artery) or the inner thigh (femoral artery) for no more than 10 seconds. If there is no pulse or the pulse is less than 60 beats per minute with signs of poor perfusions, such as pale or bluish skin, begin chest compressions.

To do chest compressions:

• Put two fingers on the center of the baby’s chest, right below the nipple line.
• Compress the chest to a depth of approximately 2 inches, which is about one-third of the chest depth, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
• Let the chest come all the way back up after each compression.

1 Person Infant CPR Ratio

The 1 person infant CPR ratio is the same as the 1-rescuer ratio. When you are alone, you will first examine the baby’s brachial pulse for a minimum of 5 seconds and a maximum of 10 seconds. Then, follow these steps:

• Put 2 or 3 fingers between the shoulder and elbow on the inner side of the upper arm. Gently press the fingers down for 5 to 10 seconds to check for a heartbeat. Keep in mind that applying excessive pressure could block the baby’s pulse.
• If you are unsure about feeling the pulse or if the pulse is missing, or if the baby’s heart rate is under 60 beats per minute and showing signs of poor perfusion (such as paleness or a bluish color in the face, extremities or nail beds), initiate CPR by performing 30 compressions followed by two breaths.
• Lay the baby on a flat surface with his back facing downwards.
• Put two fingers in the middle of his chest right below the nipple line; do not apply pressure to the tip of the breastbone.
• Perform chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute, ensuring they reach a depth of approximately 1/3 of the chest or around 1 ½ inches.
• When you give rescue breaths, gently tilt the baby’s head back and lift their chin to open the airway.
• Cover their mouth and nose with your mouth and give two gentle breaths.
• Each breath should last about 1 second.
• Watch to make sure the baby’s chest rises and falls with each breath.

Infant CPR Compression to Breath Ratio

The infant CPR compression to breath ratio is an important part of doing CPR the right way. As we’ve talked about, the ratio for one-rescuer infant CPR is 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths (30:2). This helps make sure the baby gets enough compressions to keep their blood flowing and enough breaths to get oxygen.

It’s important to know that the ratio for infants is different than for adults and older children. For adults and kids, the ratio is 30:2 for one-rescuer CPR and 15:2 for two-rescuer CPR.

What Ratio for Compressions to Breaths Should be Used for 1-Rescuer Infant CPR?

A common question people have is, what ratio of compressions to breaths should be used for 1-rescuer infant CPR? The answer is 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths (30:2).

By using this 30:2 ratio, one person can give effective CPR to a baby and give them the best chance of surviving until more advanced medical help arrives. If you’re learning infant CPR for the first time, your instructor will have you practice the 30:2 ratio on a baby manikin. You’ll do 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths repeatedly until you feel comfortable and confident with the technique.

Infant CPR Ratio 2 Rescuer

In a situation where two people are available to perform CPR, you can use the infant CPR ratio 2 rescuer method. This means one person does chest compressions while the other gives rescue breaths. For two-rescuer infant CPR, the ratio is 15 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths (15:2).

Having two rescuers allows for a more efficient and effective CPR process. The rescuer performing chest compressions can maintain a consistent rhythm without stopping for rescue breaths, while the second rescuer focuses on providing effective ventilation. This teamwork approach can lead to better outcomes for the infant.

To perform two-rescuer infant CPR, the rescuer giving compressions should use the two-thumb encircling technique.

• Place both thumbs side-by-side on the center of the infant’s chest, just below the nipple line, with the fingers encircling the infant’s chest.
• Compress the chest to a depth of about 1.5 inches (4 cm) at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
• The other rescuer should provide rescue breaths as described earlier.

The other rescuer should provide rescue breaths as described earlier.

When it comes to performing CPR on an infant, the approach differs slightly based on whether there is one rescuer or two. Knowing these key differences can make a significant impact in an emergency:

Aspect	1 Rescuer Infant CPR	2 Rescuer Infant CPR
Infant CPR Compression to Breath Ratio	30:2	15:2
Compression Technique	Two fingers in the center of the chest, below the nipple line	Both thumbs encircling the chest with fingers supporting the back
Compression Depth	About 1.5 inches (4 cm)	About 1.5 inches (4 cm)
Compression Rate	100-120 per minute	100-120 per minute
Breath Technique	2 gentle breaths after every 30 compressions	2 gentle breaths after every 15 compressions
Rescuer’s Position	Kneel beside the infant or position comfortably	One rescuer performs compressions from the head, the other provides breaths from the side
Benefits	Can be performed solo	Allows for quicker cycles and reduced rescuer fatigue, better coordination

1 rescuer infant CPR ratio requires alternating between compressions and breaths, which can be physically demanding and may lead to fatigue. In contrast, tasks are divided in two-rescuer infant CPR. This approach enables a more consistent and efficient CPR process, as each rescuer focuses on their specific role without interruption.

Common Mistakes in Infant CPR and How to Avoid Them

Doing CPR on a baby can be scary, and it’s easy to make mistakes, especially if you’re not trained. Some common mistakes to avoid while performing infant CPR include:

• Incorrect Compression Depth: Compressing too deeply or not deeply enough can reduce CPR effectiveness. Compress the chest to about 1.5 inches (4 cm).
• Inadequate Compression Rate: For adequate blood flow, maintain a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Use a metronome or follow a familiar song’s beat to keep pace.
• Failure to Allow Chest Recoil: For effective CPR, allow the chest to recoil between compressions fully. Avoid leaning on the chest during compressions.
• Interruptions in Compressions: To maintain blood flow to vital organs minimize interruptions in chest compressions. Limit breaks to only when necessary, such as when providing rescue breaths or checking for signs of life.
• Incorrect Rescue Breath Technique: Delivering rescue breaths that are too forceful or too shallow can be ineffective or harmful. Give gentle breaths, watching for the chest to rise and fall.

Incorrect Rescue Breath Technique: Delivering rescue breaths that are too forceful or too shallow can be ineffective or harmful. Give gentle breaths, watching for the chest to rise and fall.

Final Words

Knowing the right infant CPR ratio is an important skill for anyone who spends time with babies. Whether you’re using the one-rescuer or two-rescuer method, the compression-to-breath ratios are key to giving effective CPR.

Remember, 1 rescuer infant CPR ratio is 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths (30:2). For two-rescuer CPR, the ratio is 15 compressions to 2 breaths (15:2). Getting trained in infant CPR and practicing regularly can help you feel more confident and prepared.

Don’t wait for an emergency to happen before you learn these life-saving skills. Find a CPR class near you and get trained as soon as you can. By learning infant CPR, you’re giving yourself the power to save a baby’s life when it matters most.

Read more: The Benefits of Online CPR Training: Convenience and Flexibility