Learn first aid for a baby who is unresponsive and breathing
This advice is for helping a baby (1 year and under). Find out:
If a baby is not moving and does not respond when you call them or tap their foot, they are unresponsive. Shout for help.
1. Check their breathing by tilting their head back slightly and looking, listening and feeling for breaths.
Do this for no longer than ten seconds.
Tilting the baby's head back slightly opens the airway by pulling the tongue forward.
If they are breathing, you will see their chest moving and you may hear their breath or feel it on your cheek.
If they are breathing, move on to step two.
Find out what to do if they are not breathing.
2. Hold the baby on their side with their head slightly tilted back, supported and lower than their bottom.
Holding them on their side with their head back helps keep the airway open. It ensures their tongue falls forward and any fluid drains out. This will help the baby to continue to breathe.
3. Call 999 as soon as possible.
While waiting for the ambulance, talk to the baby and reassure them. Make sure their head remains tilted back.
Watch how to help a baby who is unresponsive and breathing (3 minutes 59 seconds)
Common questions about first aid for a baby who is unresponsive and breathing
Should I put the baby down while I call 999?
Should I try to talk to the baby?
How do I help a child who is unresponsive and breathing?
How do I help an adult who is unresponsive and breathing?
Should I put the baby down while I call 999?
If you are able, continue to cradle the baby on their side in your arms while you call 999. If you need to, you could put the baby down on their side while you make the call.
Should I try to talk to the baby?
Yes, talk to them and reassure them. Even if they do not respond to you, they may still be able to hear what is going on.
How do I help a child who is unresponsive and breathing?
Learn how to help a child who is unresponsive and breathing.
How do I help an adult who is unresponsive and breathing?
Learn how to help an adult who is unresponsive and breathing.
Email us if you have any other questions about first aid for a baby who is unresponsive and breathing.
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