How to perform CPR: a step-by-step guide for beginners

Learning how to perform CPR can be intimidating, especially when an infant or child’s life could be at stake. Yet it’s a skill that every parent or carer can (and should) master. This beginner-friendly guide is your first step toward confidently stepping in during those critical moments.

We’ll walk you through two key age groups (infants under one year old and children aged one or older) using clear, easy-to-follow instructions.

While this blog aims to equip you with the basics, remember that reading instructions is only the start. Real-life application should be backed up by hands-on CPR training. Completing a formal course not only helps you refine your technique but also builds confidence.

Established in 1991 by paramedics, the passionate team at Emergcare understands the importance of CPR and first aid training and believes it should be accessible to everyone. Get in touch for more information or to book one of our training courses.

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (or CPR for short) is a first aid technique that’s used when someone isn’t breathing or their heart has stopped.

It involves chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth (or rescue breaths). It aims to circulate blood and oxygen through the body, keeping the brain and vital organs alive until help arrives.

Emergency CPR is a skill that everyone can learn; there’s no requirement to be a healthcare professional.

How to do CPR: Infants under 1 year of age

There are many reasons why a baby may stop breathing, including choking, airway compression, medical episodes (such as whooping cough), or even breath-holding spells. While you should call 000 immediately, performing CPR while you wait for help to arrive may be beneficial.

Start Chest Compressions (Infant under 1 year)

• Lay the infant on its back on a firm, flat surface.
• Place two fingers on the lower half of the breastbone (centre of the chest, just below the nipple line).
• Push down firmly to a depth of about one-third of the chest.
• Release the pressure fully after each push to let the chest rise — this counts as one compression.
• Perform 30 compressions before giving 2 rescue breaths, and continue at a cycle of 30:2.

For children over 1 year, use one hand on the chest; for older/larger children and adults, use two hands.

Infant CPR (Infant under 1 year)

• Lay the infant on their back on a firm, flat surface.
• Place two fingers in the centre of the chest, just below the nipple line.
• Push down firmly to about one-third the depth of the chest, then release — this is one compression.
• Perform 30 compressions, followed by 2 rescue breaths (covering both mouth and nose with your mouth). Each breath should last about 1 second, just enough to see the chest rise.
• Continue in a 30:2 cycle, aiming for about five cycles in two minutes.

If you cannot give breaths, CPR can be done with chest compressions only. In this case, continue compressions at a rate of 100–120 per minute without pausing.

How to do CPR: Children over 1 year of age

There are many reasons why a child may stop breathing, including choking, airway obstruction, medical episodes such as severe allergies or asthma, or breath-holding spells. Call 000 immediately and begin CPR while waiting for help to arrive.

Start chest compressions

• Lay the child on their back on a firm, flat surface and kneel beside them.
• Place the heel of one hand on the lower half of the breastbone (centre of the chest).
• Keep your arm straight and push down to about one-third the depth of the chest.
• Release fully after each push to allow the chest to rise — this counts as one compression.
• Perform 30 compressions.

Depending on the size of the child and your strength, you may use one hand or both hands for compressions.

Give rescue breaths (Child over 1 year)

• Tilt the child’s head back to open the airway, placing one hand on the forehead and the other under the chin.
• Pinch the nose closed with your thumb and index finger.
• Take a breath and cover the child’s mouth with yours, making a good seal.
• Blow steadily for about 1 second, just enough to make the chest rise.
• Move your head away and watch the chest fall as the air comes out.
• Take another breath and repeat for a total of 2 rescue breaths.
• After the rescue breaths, return immediately to 30 chest compressions. Continue in a 30:2 cycle, aiming for about five cycles in two minutes.

If you are unable or unwilling to give rescue breaths, CPR can still be performed with chest compressions only. In this case, continue compressions at a rate of 100–120 per minute without pausing.

Take the next step with CPR certification

CPR is one of the most valuable skills you can learn, especially when it comes to protecting the lives of infants and children in your care.

While this guide provides a simple, step-by-step overview, nothing can replace the confidence and competence that come from hands-on practice with a qualified trainer. This will allow you to learn the correct technique, ask questions, and rehearse the steps.

Don’t wait for an emergency to happen; book one of our CPR or first aid courses today.

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