Newborn CPR and first aid training is vitally important to parents if their newborn becomes unresponsive, and it is necessary to know how to administer infant CPR using chest compressions and rescue breaths.
Removing any obstruction from an infant’s mouth and administering five sets of 30 compressions followed by two breaths can help stabilize them while you wait for a response from them or call 911 as quickly as possible.
1. Choking
Babies have very small airway passages that are susceptible to choking when eating certain foods. At New born Baby CPR and first aid training for parents, instructors provide instruction on how to prevent and treat infant choking by administering five firm back blows between shoulder blades as well as five chest thrusts.
Infant CPR differs significantly from adult CPR in that any objects in the mouth must not be removed to avoid further obstructions; rather, infants need to be placed on their back with an open airway in order to breathe normally. If coughing, gagging, or breathing occur during treatment give one rescue breath then immediately begin CPR using 30 compressions and two breaths followed by revive. Otherwise they would die within eight minutes without oxygen-rich blood passing to their brain and revive is needed immediately to provide oxygen-rich blood to the brain which would otherwise die without it.
Infants are vulnerable to other medical emergencies besides choking, such as seizures and drowning. New born baby CPR and first aid training courses teach parents how to respond in these cases; when infants appear squirmy or limp they should be placed on their back, cleared of foreign objects, given five rescue breaths, then tilting back the head and lifting their chin to open up airway passageways for breathing.
While adults typically turn to the Heimlich maneuver for relief from choking, infants used back slaps until the 1970s; then it gradually evolved into the Heimlich. Both can provide effective treatments that can be administered to unconscious babies, children and adults alike.
If an infant chokes, contact a local CPR provider immediately. These providers offer both classroom and online CPR courses designed specifically to provide first aid treatment to infants. For the latter option, choose an American Heart Association-approved course offering certificate of completion and access to course materials for two years; or visit National CPR Foundation’s free website covering most important elements of infant CPR with videos depicting its implementation on dummies.
2. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Parenting a new baby can bring unparalleled joy, but there is also inherent risk. Babies are vulnerable to choking, cardiac arrest and other medical emergencies that could prove life-threatening; therefore, it is vitally important for caregivers to possess knowledge of infant CPR.
An infant CPR class will teach you to perform rescue breathing and CPR according to American Heart Association guidelines for babies aged up to one year of age, as well as prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which refers to sudden unexplained deaths among infants younger than one year.
SIDS remains one of the leading causes of infant deaths between 1-12 months, yet experts do not understand its root causes. While they cannot pinpoint exactly what leads to SIDS deaths, studies have identified risk factors which increase its probability. These include sleeping alone or smoking during gestation; having siblings younger than 5 years; sleeping on their backs vs having brothers/sisters over five years old may increase chances of SIDS occurring in an infant.
Infant mortality can result from choking, cardiac arrest and SIDS – three primary factors that are more likely than others in babies being at risk of death. Babies are particularly prone to choking due to smaller food pieces and frequently placing their hands in their mouth while eating – it’s vital that new parents recognize any warning signs in their infant and respond swiftly in case choking occurs.
When a child is choking, CPR should be administered immediately. This involves performing chest compressions at 100 to 120 per minute while placing thumbs at the point where lower ribs connect in the center of the chest – 1 finger width above that point – then rescue breathing; opening airways by blowing into baby’s nose and mouth until normal breathy coughing sounds are heard.
Cardiac arrest in an infant can be very hazardous, making newborn CPR classes all the more important. You will learn how to recognize symptoms of cardiac arrest in infants as well as practicing reviving a dummy to prepare yourself for any emergency situations that might arise.
3. Fever
Newborns are vulnerable to medical emergencies like choking, restricted breathing and allergies. Parents must prepare themselves to deal with such medical situations by enrolling in CPR and first aid classes and stocking an adequate first aid kit with antihistamines, mild soap, Aloe Vera ointment, band aids and any other essentials stocked as soon as possible.
Fever in newborns and toddlers is usually due to an infection and should be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen in doses recommended by health care providers. If it includes stiff neck, confusion or lethargy it could indicate an inflammatory disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus). Parents must know how to recognize signs and symptoms of infection in their infants and toddlers in order to provide care that addresses them quickly.
An infant may develop fever as part of their immune system’s response to an infection. If their fever rises significantly, or is accompanied by other symptoms, immediate medical assistance should be sought immediately.
Children and infants’ body temperatures may increase for various reasons, including physical exertion, taking a hot bath or shower, eating warm foods or time of day. A high body temperature could also be an indicator of serious illness or infection.
If a baby is not breathing or appears blue, he should receive positive pressure ventilation and, if needed, epinephrine (if needed). His/her heart rate should then be monitored continuously until reaching 100 bpm or when pink color returns – during this period they should be evaluated every three to five minutes.
Whenever a newborn chokes, the best course of action is performing infant chest compressions with two breaths per cycle and applying an ice cube to his or her tongue and throat to reduce swelling and pain. Parents can learn more about safe responses during an online first aid course for babies.
4. Injuries
Infant injuries are an increasing threat. Babies may fall off high furniture or strollers and land on their heads, leading to bumps, cuts, or abrasions. Furthermore, babies frequently develop burns by accidently touching hot items; minor burns can be treated by running cold water over them for 10 minutes while severe ones should be covered with an appropriate bandage to ensure cooling.
If an infant becomes unconscious or unresponsive, you should shake and call their name to rouse them and check for breathing and pulse (their chest should rise and fall with each breath). If no signs of breathing or pulse can be detected, call 999 immediately for emergency help and initiate CPR on them immediately.
Babies’ smaller airway passages increase their susceptibility to choking. To prevent choking in babies, it is best to keep away toys that could easily lodge themselves in their throat as well as use safety straps on high chairs or strollers. If an infant appears to be choking, call 911 immediately and perform child CPR until an ambulance arrives.
If you are uncertain if an infant is breathing, place them on a flat surface and tilt their head slightly back to open their airway. Press down with two fingers using the heel of your hand on their chest (sternum) using compressions which reach 1/3rd or 1/2 of its depth.
No matter the severity of an injury to babies, prompt first aid should always be administered immediately to minimize scarring and infection. If they’re bleeding heavily, apply pressure using a clean cloth until the bleeding stops before cleansing and applying antibiotic ointment as soon as possible. For deeper wounds cover with sterile dressings.
Un online infant and baby first aid class can give parents the knowledge and confidence needed to react swiftly in any life-threatening situation. The 2021 Child and Baby First Aid/CPR/AED online course teaches how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies involving children and infants. If you would like a Red Cross digital certificate that meets OSHA workplace requirements or employer certification, an instructor-led skills session after finishing this online course is also highly recommended.