Watch how to help a baby who is unresponsive and not breathing (1 minute 44 seconds)
Common questions about first aid for a baby who is unresponsive and not breathing
Why is it important that I check for breathing on an unresponsive baby?
How hard should I blow during rescue breaths?
How long should I give chest compressions and rescue breaths for?
Do I have to give rescue breaths?
If I press too hard during chest compressions, could I break the baby’s ribs?
What if I’m on my own and my baby is unresponsive and not breathing?
What should I say on the phone to the emergency services?
Will I see an immediate response to my chest compressions and rescue breaths?
Will giving rescue breaths and chest compressions bring the baby back to life?
What if I make a mistake and do rescue breaths and chest compressions but the baby is actually still breathing?
What is CPR?
How do I help a child who is unresponsive and not breathing?
How do I help an adult who is unresponsive and not breathing?
Why is it important that I check for breathing on an unresponsive baby?
It’s vital to check for breathing. Knowing whether they are breathing changes how you should help the baby. How you help an unresponsive baby who is breathing is very different to how you help if that baby is not breathing.
Learn how to help a baby who is unresponsive and breathing.
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How hard should I blow during rescue breaths?
You should blow gently until you see the baby’s chest rise.
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How long should I give chest compressions and rescue breaths for?
Keep going until help arrives or the baby starts to breathe.
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Do I have to give rescue breaths?
You should give rescue breaths if you are able and willing to. Giving both rescue breaths and chest compressions increase the chance of the baby surviving.
If you can’t give rescue breaths for any reason, just give chest compressions.
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If I press too hard during chest compressions, could I break the baby’s ribs?
A baby’s rib cage is flexible, so the risk of breaking their ribs by giving chest compressions is small. Remember: you are giving chest compressions to keep the baby alive. Without chest compressions and rescue breaths before the ambulance arrives, they are much less likely to survive.
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What if I’m on my own and the baby is unresponsive and not breathing?
It’s best to top up the level of oxygen in your baby before calling 999. If you are on your own, give rescue breaths and chest compressions for one minute and then call 999. After you’ve called 999, continue rescue breaths and chest compressions until help arrives. If someone else is with you, get them to call 999 as soon as possible.
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What should I say on the phone to the emergency services?
Call 999 as soon as possible and the operator will prompt you with questions. It is important to tell them that the baby is unresponsive and not breathing. Giving them as much information as possible will help them prioritise your call.
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Will I see an immediate response to my chest compressions and rescue breaths?
You are unlikely to see any change at all in the baby’s condition, but your actions may still be having a beneficial effect.
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Will giving rescue breaths and chest compressions bring the baby back to life?
You give rescue breaths and chest compressions to give the baby the best chance of survival. You are acting as their heart and lungs, buying them vital time until medical help arrives. The chance of restarting their heart by rescue breaths and chest compressions alone is low.
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What if I make a mistake and give rescue breaths and chest compressions but the baby is actually still breathing?
It’s not ideal but don’t worry. There’s no evidence to suggest you will smother them or cause any serious damage. You should stop giving rescue breaths and chest compressions as soon as you realise they are still breathing.
Find out more about how to help a baby who is unresponsive and breathing.
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What is CPR?
CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. CPR is the combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths.
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How do I help a child who is unresponsive and not breathing?
Find out more about how to help a child who is unresponsive and not breathing.
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How do I help an adult who is unresponsive and not breathing?
Find out more about how to help an adult who is unresponsive and not breathing.
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Email us if you have any other questions about first aid for a baby who is unresponsive and not breathing.