What to Do if a Baby Stops Breathing | Infant CPR Steps

Discovering that a baby has stopped breathing is perhaps the most frightening experience a parent or caregiver can face. In these critical moments, every second counts. Knowing exactly what to do if a baby stops breathing can mean the difference between a tragic outcome and a life saved.

At Practical First Aid, we provide OFSTED-compliant paediatric first aid training across London. Our mission is to replace panic with a plan. This guide covers the essential steps for infant CPR, identifying danger signs, and understanding the physiological reasons behind respiratory distress in newborns.

Immediate Action: The DRSABC Protocol

If you suspect a baby (under one year old) is not breathing, you must act systematically. First aid professionals use the DRSABC acronym to ensure no step is missed.

D – Danger

Before rushing in, ensure the environment is safe for you and the baby. Check for electrical hazards, glass, or traffic if you are outdoors.

R – Response

Gently tap the baby’s foot or stroke their arm. Speak loudly: “Are you alright?” Never shake a baby, as this can cause permanent brain damage (Shaken Baby Syndrome). If there is no movement, crying, or eye-opening, the baby is unresponsive.

S – Shout for Help

If you are alone, shout for help immediately to alert anyone nearby. However, do not leave the baby yet. If someone is with you, tell them to call 999 or 112 and ask for an ambulance.

A – Airway

Place one hand on the baby’s forehead and very gently tilt the head back to a neutral position. Use one fingertip under the chin to lift it. Because a baby’s neck is so supple, over-extending the head can actually block the airway.

B – Breathing

Look, listen, and feel for breathing for no more than 10 seconds.

• Look for the chest and tummy rising and falling.

• Listen for breath sounds.

• Feel for breath on your cheek.

Important Note: Do not confuse “agonal gasps” (infrequent, noisy grunts) with normal breathing. If the breathing is not regular and quiet, treat it as if they are not breathing.

What to Do if Baby Suddenly Stops Breathing: Infant CPR

If the baby is unresponsive and not breathing, you must begin Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

Step 1: Give 5 Initial Rescue Breaths

Unlike adult CPR, which often starts with chest compressions, paediatric arrest is usually respiratory (breathing-related). Therefore, we start with breaths.

1. Ensure the airway is open (neutral position).

2. Take a breath and place your mouth over the baby’s nose and mouth, creating a seal.

3. Blow gently into their mouth and nose for about 1 second—just enough to see the chest rise.

4. Repeat this 5 times.

Step 2: Give 30 Chest Compressions

1. Place two fingers in the centre of the baby’s chest (just below the nipple line).

2. Press down firmly to about one-third of the depth of the chest (approximately 4cm).

3. Release the pressure but keep your fingers on the chest.

4. Push at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute (the beat of “Stayin’ Alive”).

Step 3: Give 2 Rescue Breaths

After 30 compressions, deliver 2 more rescue breaths.

Step 4: Repeat the Cycle

Continue the cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until:

• The baby shows signs of life (starts coughing, moving, or breathing normally).

• Emergency medical help arrives and takes over.

• You become physically exhausted and cannot continue.

What Do I Do if My Baby Can’t Breathe? (Choking)

Sometimes, a baby stops breathing because their airway is physically blocked by an object or liquid.

If the baby is coughing or crying, the blockage is only partial. Encourage them to cough. If they cannot breathe, cry, or cough, follow these steps:

1. 5 Back Blows: Lay the baby face down along your thigh, supporting their head by the jaw. Deliver 5 firm slaps between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.

2. 5 Chest Thrusts: Turn the baby over so they are face up. Using two fingers in the centre of the chest (as in CPR), deliver 5 sharp inward thrusts.

3. Check the Mouth: If the object becomes visible, remove it. Never do a “blind finger sweep”, as you might push the object further down.

The 7 Danger Signs in a Newborn Baby

Prevention and early detection are vital. Parents often ask, “What are the 7 danger signs in a newborn baby?” Medical professionals look for these “red flags” that indicate a baby is becoming critically unwell:

Danger Sign	What it Looks Like
1. Abnormal Breathing	Rapid breathing (over 60 breaths per minute), grunting sounds, or “sucking in” at the ribs.
2. Temperature Instability	A fever above 38°C or a temperature below 36.5°C that doesn’t rise with wrapping.
3. Poor Feeding	Refusing multiple feeds or lack of interest in sucking.
4. Lethargy	Being unusually drowsy, difficult to wake, or having a “floppy” muscle tone.
5. Cyanosis (Blueness)	A bluish tint to the lips, tongue, or skin (indicating low oxygen).
6. Persistent Vomiting	Projectile vomiting or green-coloured bile in vomit.
7. Convulsions	Seizures, rhythmic jerking of limbs, or staring spells.

If you notice any of these signs, seek medical attention immediately by calling 111 or your GP. If the baby has blue lips or is struggling to breathe, call 999.

Do Babies Wake Up if They Can’t Breathe?

A common concern for parents is whether a baby will wake up if they stop breathing during sleep, particularly regarding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Research suggests that some babies may have a “vulnerability” in their arousal mechanism. Normally, if oxygen levels drop, the brain triggers a “wake-up” response. However, in cases of SIDS or deep sleep related to overheating/illness, this arousal reflex may fail.

This is why safe sleep practices are non-negotiable:

• Back to Sleep: Always place your baby on their back to sleep.

• Clear Cot: No pillows, duvets, bumpers, or soft toys.

• Room Sharing: Keep the baby in your room for the first six months.

• Temperature Control: Ensure the room is between 16°C and 20°C.

Common Causes of Respiratory Arrest in Infants

Understanding the “why” helps in prevention. Babies are more prone to breathing issues than adults due to their unique anatomy:

• Smaller Airways: A tiny amount of swelling or mucus can almost entirely block an infant’s airway.

• Tongue Size: Their tongues are proportionately larger, making it easier for the airway to be blocked if they are unconscious and lying on their back without head tilt.

• Nose Breathing: Newborns are “obligate nose breathers” for the first few months. A blocked nose from a common cold can cause significant distress.

• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) & Bronchiolitis: These common winter viruses cause inflammation in the small airways (bronchioles) and are a leading cause of hospital admission in London during the colder months.

When to Call 999 vs. 111

In the UK, it is vital to know which service to use to ensure your baby gets the right level of care without overwhelming the system.

Call 999 if:

• The baby has stopped breathing.

• The baby is blue around the lips or face.

• The baby is unresponsive or having a fit.

• The baby has a non-blanching rash (one that doesn’t disappear when pressed with a glass).

Call 111 if:

• The baby is breathing harder than usual but is still alert.

• The baby has a high fever but is responsive.

• You are worried about their feeding or dirty nappies.

The Importance of Face-to-Face First Aid Training

While reading a guide is a great first step, it cannot replace the muscle memory gained from a physical training course. At Practical First Aid, we offer specialised Paediatric First Aid Courses in London, Croydon, and the surrounding areas.

Why Choose Practical First Aid?

• Hands-on Practice: Use high-tech infant manikins to feel the correct depth of compressions.

• Expert Instructors: Our trainers have real-world experience in emergency care.

• Certification: Our courses meet the requirements for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and OFSTED.

• Confidence Building: We focus on making you feel capable of acting under pressure.

Whether you are a new parent, a nanny, or a nursery worker, knowing what to do if a baby stops breathing is an essential life skill.

Summary Checklist for Parents

1. Check for Dangers and Response.

2. Open the Airway (Neutral position).

3. Check for Breathing (10 seconds).

4. If not breathing, call 999.

5. Give 5 Rescue Breaths.

6. Give 30 Compressions.

7. Give 2 Rescue Breaths.

8. Continue 30:2 until help arrives.

FAQs: What to Do if a Baby Stops Breathing

Q: Can I use an AED (Defibrillator) on a baby?

A: Yes, if an AED is available, it can be used on infants. Ideally, use paediatric pads. If only adult pads are available, place one on the centre of the chest and one on the centre of the back (“sandwich method”) to prevent the pads from touching.

Q: How do I know if I’m pressing too hard during CPR?

A: It is better to press slightly too hard than not hard enough. A baby’s ribs are very flexible, but the goal is to physically pump the heart to move oxygenated blood to the brain.

Q: Should I try to drive the baby to the hospital myself?

A: No. In a breathing emergency, call 999. Paramedics can start life-saving treatment the moment they arrive. If you are driving, you cannot perform CPR.

Take Action Today

Don’t wait for an emergency to happen. Being prepared is the best gift you can give your child. Our London-based first aid courses are designed to be accessible, affordable, and, most importantly, practical.