Infant CPR Changed in 2025: What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know
by Jeremy Manke on Nov 02, 2026
If you learned infant CPR a few years ago, you probably learned to use two fingers to perform chest compressions.
I've been teaching CPR and first aid for more than 20 years, and that's exactly how I taught infant compressions, too. It was the approved method at the time.
But the American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics updated their guidelines in 2025, and one of the biggest changes involves how we perform chest compressions on an infant.
As a firefighter, paramedic, instructor, and father, I want parents and caregivers to understand what changed, why it matters, and what they should practice.
What changed with infant CPR in 2025?
The biggest change is that the two-finger chest compression technique is no longer recommended for infants.
Research found that using two fingers often failed to achieve adequate compression depth.
The updated guidelines recommend two techniques:
- Heel-of-one-hand technique: Place the heel of one hand on the infant's breastbone in the center of the chest.
- Two-thumb encircling-hands technique: Wrap both hands around the infant's chest and use both thumbs to compress the breastbone.
For parents and caregivers learning single-rescuer CPR, the easiest way I have found to decide which option to use is based off of the size of the child and the size of the caregivers hands. For example, if you can encircle the chest and your two thumbs meet in the center of the chest, use the two-thumb encircling technique. If you find your thumbs would not make it to the center of the chest or you may have arthritis or issues with your thumbs, switch to the heel of the hand.
If you learned the two-finger technique years ago, this is an important reason to refresh your training.
Watch: What's new with infant CPR?
In this video, I explain the updated infant CPR technique and what parents should know about the changes.
Watch my video: NEW 2025 Infant CPR Changes
What hasn't changed?
Although the hand position has changed, the fundamentals of high-quality infant CPR remain important.
- Compression rate: 100–120 compressions per minute.
- Compression depth: Approximately 1½ inches, or at least one-third the depth of the infant's chest.
- Full chest recoil: Allow the chest to return to its normal position between compressions.
- Minimal interruptions: Keep pauses in compressions as short as possible. Ideally no longer than 10 seconds.
- Rescue breaths: Breaths remain especially important for infants because cardiac arrest often begins with a breathing problem.
These are skills that are much easier to understand when you practice on a CPR manikin.
What should you do if an infant is unresponsive and not breathing normally?
If an infant is unresponsive and isn't breathing normally, or is only gasping, act immediately.
- Make sure the area is safe and check the infant for responsiveness.
- Shout for help and call 911. Put your phone on speaker so you can follow the dispatcher's instructions. If another person is available, have them get an AED.
- Place the infant on a firm, flat surface. This can be things such a a tabletop, counter, dresser or changing table as long as it's hard and flat.
- Begin chest compressions using the two-thumb encircling technique or heel of one hand in the center of the chest. Compress approximately 1½ inches deep at a rate of 100–120 per minute.
- If you're trained and able, perform 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. Give each breath just enough to make the chest rise.
- Continue CPR and follow the dispatcher's instructions. Use an AED as soon as one is available and follow its prompts.
If you're unable or unwilling to provide breaths, compression-only CPR is better than doing nothing. Infants and children really should have rescue breaths performed, so I always recommend buying a CPR shield/mask (something on a keychain is great), or a CPR Mask with one-way valve if you are going to be in a situation where you might need to perform rescue breathing on a child.
This information is intended to reinforce CPR training, not replace hands-on instruction.
What about infant choking?
The 2025 guidelines also changed the technique used for chest thrusts when an infant is severely choking.
However, choking relief and CPR are different emergency procedures.
I've covered the updated choking recommendations separately in my article:
New AHA Choking Guidelines: Essential Tips for Parents
Why hands-on CPR practice matters
You can watch videos and read instructions, but performing CPR on a manikin gives you something that reading alone cannot: the opportunity to practice your hand position, compression depth, rate, and rescue breaths.
And if you've taken CPR training in the past, it's worth learning the updated technique rather than relying on what you remember from an older class.
Keep your emergency supplies ready
CPR training and having the appropriate supplies available go hand in hand.
A CPR face shield or barrier can be useful when providing rescue breaths. Knowing where your supplies are located is just as important as having them.
Our Family First Aid Kit includes CPR-related supplies as part of its family-focused design, including CPR Shield and CPR masks designed for infant/Child and Adult.
Learn infant CPR with The Life Safety Pro
I provide on-site CPR, AED, and first aid training for childcare centers, schools, parent groups, churches, and workplaces throughout the Pittsburgh area. If you are outside the Pittsburgh area, I suggest checking with your local Fire or EMS first.
Our training includes hands-on practice so participants can learn the current techniques and build confidence using them.
Learn more about our CPR and First Aid Training
Know what to do. Have what you need.
— Jeremy Manke
Firefighter/Paramedic, CPR Instructor, and Owner of The Life Safety Pro
Frequently asked questions
Is two-finger infant CPR still recommended?
No. The 2025 AHA/AAP guidelines recommend the heel-of-one-hand or two-thumb encircling-hands technique instead.
How many compressions and breaths should one rescuer give?
For a single rescuer trained in a basic level for CPR, the recommended ratio is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 breaths. If you are a healthcare professional , you would also learn a technique for 15:2 for 2 rescuer CPR for infants and children.
Can I use an AED on an infant?
Yes. An AED should be used as soon as available during cardiac arrest, preferably with pediatric pads and a pediatric attenuator when available. Follow the AED's instructions.
Should I take another CPR class if I was certified before 2025?
A refresher is worthwhile because the recommended infant compression technique has changed.
