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Heather Graham, St John Ambulance
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First Aid Trainer with St John Ambulance. Teaches both parents and teachers how to perform first aid on babies and children. St John Ambulance is the leading first aid charity in the UK.
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Baby first aid

Baby recovery position

The infant recovery position is what you use if a baby up to a year old is unconscious but still breathing. The best way to learn this is by doing the St John Ambulance First Aid course, or watching the online First Aid course we made under their guidance.
Video Tutorial
In Short
Flick foot.

Tilt head up.

Listen for breathing for 10 seconds.

Lift baby.

Tilt head down.

Infant Recovery Position

The infant recovery position is what you use if a baby up to a year old is unconscious but still breathing. The best way to learn this is by doing a first aid course or watching our first aid online course, approved by St John Ambulance.

What do I do if my baby is unconscious but still breathing?

You need to put your baby in a safe position because the key aim with an unconscious casualty is to make sure the airway remains clear. You already know your baby is breathing because you’ve listened and watched her closely for 10 seconds, feeling her breath on your cheek and seeing her chest rise and fall.

If a baby is unconscious, there’s a risk their tongue will fall either backwards or forwards and block their airway. You need to put one hand on their forehead and one finger under the chin and lift their head until it’s in a position St John Ambulance trainers call ‘sniffing the morning air’ – as if you’re walking through a park and just very slightly lift your head to take in the fresh air.

Now you need to put her in a position that will keep her airway open, keep the tongue off the back of her throat and make sure any saliva or vomit drains away safely and doesn’t choke your baby.

Use one hand to take the weight of your baby’s head. The other hand comes in to support her body, and now you lift your baby up, keeping her head pointed slightly down, lower than the rest of her body, so that the airway stays clear and any fluids can drain away.

Should I call the ambulance if my baby is unconscious but still breathing?

Yes. Once you have your baby safely in the recovery position, you need to call an ambulance, taking your baby with you to the phone. Rest her on your knees while you make the call and hold her in this position until help arrives.

Summary
  • Flick foot.
  • Tilt head up.
  • Listen for breathing for 10 seconds.
  • Lift baby.
  • Tilt head down.

The best way to learn this is by doing a first aid course or watch our online First Aid lessons approved by St John Ambulance.

Here is a class of parents practicing the recovery position for infants:

Here is a summary video:

DISCLAIMER
This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Essential Parent has used all reasonable care in compiling the information from leading experts and institutions but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details click here.