How to Use an AED on a Baby: A Paramedic's Step-by-Step Guide

How to Use an AED on a Baby: A Life-Saving Guide for Parents and Caregivers

If a baby's heart stops beating, every second counts. That’s why knowing how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) could save their life. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of using an AED on an infant in a way that’s clear, calm, and easy to remember. For reference, before we begin, we will consider a child from birth to the Age of 1 as a baby.

Why AEDs Matter for Babies

Cardiac arrest in babies is rare—but when it happens, it’s usually because they’ve stopped breathing. That can be caused by choking, illness, or injury. Once the heart stops, you only have a short window to act.

AEDs are safe for infants. These machines check the heart’s rhythm and give a shock if it’s needed. When they are used, they are looking for a heart rhythm causing an electrical problem. Using one quickly can give your baby a second chance at life.

How to Know If a Baby Needs Help

Here are signs a baby may need CPR and an AED:

They don’t move or respond to your voice
They aren’t breathing or are only gasping
Their skin looks blue or very pale
They don’t cry or show normal signs of life

If you see these signs:

Call 911 (or have someone else call)
Start CPR if you’re alone and didn’t see the baby become unresponsive. Do this for 2 minutes, then get an AED if available.
If you’re with someone, have them call 911 and get the AED and First Aid Kit while you start CPR.

How to Use an AED on a Baby

Don’t worry if you’ve never used one—AEDs talk to you and guide you through the process.

Step-by-Step:

Turn on the AED. Some turn on when you open the lid, and others have a power button.
Undress the baby. Wipe their chest and back dry if needed.
Place the pads correctly:
- The front pad goes in the center of the chest.
- The back pad goes between the shoulder blades.
- When your doing this, think about the heart. The goal of the AED is to have the pads make a connection through the heart.
Let the AED check the heart. Don’t touch the baby while it analyzes. The machine will tell you to stand clear while it's analyzing.
If it says “shock advised,” say “Clear!” and press the shock button. If the AED is an Automatic AED, it will prepare the charge and shock automatically after warning you.
Start CPR again. Do 30 compressions and 2 breaths using the two-thumb encircling technique — both thumbs on the center of the chest with hands wrapped around the infant's body. If your hands are too small to encircle the infant, use the heel of one hand instead. Compress approximately 1.5 inches deep at 100-120 compressions per minute.

What If You Only Have Adult AED Pads?

That’s okay. Use them anyway.

Put one pad on the chest and one on the back.
Make sure the pads don’t touch.

Even though they’re not perfect for infants, adult pads are better than doing nothing. Research shows it’s safe, and it could save the baby’s life. It's just more energy than their heart needs.

📆 Get Prepared Before an Emergency Happens

Here’s how to get ready:

Take a CPR and AED class that covers infants. We offer AHA and HSI-certified CPR and AED classes in Pittsburgh, PA for parents, caregivers, and businesses.
Evening and weekend availability. We come to you.
Know where the nearest AED is (at home, daycare, sports field)
Keep a first aid kit and baby CPR guide nearby. If you want an easy to use First Aid Kit with the supplies you need and a Step by Step CPR Guide, Check out our Children's First Aid Kit.
Talk with babysitters and family so they know what to do too!

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to use an AED on a baby may feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. AEDs are built to help everyday people save lives. You need to stay calm, follow the prompts, and act fast.

Being prepared isn’t about expecting something bad to happen—it’s about being brave enough to care, to learn, and to be ready when it matters most.

That’s what it means to be a Life Safety Pro.

Want to learn infant CPR and AED use hands-on with a certified instructor? Read our complete guide to CPR hand placement for children.

Frequently Asked Questions — Using an AED on a Baby

Is it safe to use an AED on a baby? Yes — AEDs are safe for infants. Most modern AEDs include pediatric pads or a pediatric mode specifically designed for infants and young children. If only adult pads are available, use them anyway — place one on the center of the chest and one on the back. Adult pads are better than doing nothing and research shows this is safe.

Where do you place AED pads on an infant? Place one pad on the center of the infant's chest and the second pad on the back between the shoulder blades. The goal is to position the pads so that the electrical current passes through the heart. Make sure the pads do not touch each other.

What is the correct CPR technique for an infant when using an AED? Use the two-thumb encircling technique — both thumbs on the center of the chest just below the nipple line with your hands wrapped around the infant's body. If your hands are too small to encircle the infant, use the heel of one hand. Compress approximately 1.5 inches deep at 100-120 compressions per minute. Give 2 rescue breaths after every 30 compressions.

When should you use an AED on a baby vs. just doing CPR? Start CPR first — always. If you are alone and did not witness the baby become unresponsive, perform 2 minutes of CPR before retrieving an AED. If someone else is present, have them get the AED while you start CPR immediately. The AED should be used as soon as it is available — do not delay CPR waiting for one.

What causes cardiac arrest in babies? Unlike adults where cardiac arrest is usually caused by a heart problem, infant cardiac arrest is most commonly caused by a breathing problem — choking, illness, drowning, or injury that stops breathing first. This is why rescue breaths are critically important for infants and why CPR with ventilations rather than hands-only CPR is the standard for pediatric patients.

How do I find AED training near me in Pittsburgh? The Life Safety Pro offers AHA and HSI-certified CPR and AED training throughout the Pittsburgh area including Allegheny County and surrounding communities. Classes for parents, caregivers, daycares, businesses, and individuals. Evening and weekend availability. We come to you.

This article is for general education and does not replace medical advice. If you think your child is in danger or needs urgent help, call 911 right away.

Jeremy Manke is a PA Certified Paramedic and Firefighter with over 20 years of experience. AHA and HSI-certified CPR and First Aid Instructor. Stop the Bleed Instructor. Creator of the Children's First Aid and CPR Kit — built to help parents and caregivers respond confidently to life's emergencies.