CPR - infant - Prevention
Alternative Names
Rescue breathing and chest compressions - infant; Resuscitation - cardiopulmonary - infant; Cardiopulmonary resuscitation - infant
Prevention:
Most children need CPR because of a preventable accident. The following tips may help prevent some accidents in children:
- Never underestimate what an infant can do. Assume the baby can move more than you think.
- Never leave an infant unattended on a bed, table, or other surface from which the infant could roll off.
- Always use safety straps on high chairs and strollers. Never leave an infant in a mesh playpen with one side down. Follow the guidelines for using infant car seats.
- Teach your baby the meaning of "Don't touch." The earliest safety lesson is "No!"
- Choose age-appropriate toys. Do not give infants toys that are heavy or fragile. Inspect toys for small or loose parts, sharp edges, points, loose batteries, and other hazards.
- Create a safe environment. Watch children carefully, particularly around water and near furniture.
- Keep toxic chemicals and cleaning solutions safely stored in childproof cabinets.
- To reduce the risk of choking accidents, make sure infants and small children cannot reach buttons, watch batteries, popcorn, coins, grapes, or nuts.
- Sit with an infant while he or she eats. Do not allow an infant to crawl around while eating or drinking from a bottle.
- Never tie pacifiers, jewelry, chains, bracelets, or anything else around an infant's neck or wrists.
- Reviewed last on: 9/2/2011
- Jacob L. Heller, MD, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, Clinic. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
References
Hazinski MF, Samson R, Schexnayder S. 2010 Handbook of Emergency Cardiovascular Care for Healthcare Providers. American Heart Association. November 2010.

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