What is the recommended chest compression depth for an infant (up to 1 year) during CPR?

What is the recommended chest compression depth for an infant (up to 1 year) during CPR?

• A. 1 - 1 1/2 inches
• B. 1 1/2 - 2 inches
• C. 2 - 3 inches
• D. 1/2 - 1 inch

Answer: (D)

Infant CPR aims to generate blood flow while minimizing injury, so the chest is pressed with a relatively light, controlled depth. For infants, the chest is small and more compliant, so the depth is kept shallow—about half to one inch (roughly 1.25 to 2.5 cm). This corresponds to compressing about one third of the chest’s depth, which provides perfusion without risking rib fractures or injury to developing organs. Deeper compressions would be unsafe for an infant, while compressions that are too shallow may not circulate enough blood. In practice, use the appropriate technique (two fingers for a single rescuer, encircling thumbs for two rescuers) at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute and ensure full chest recoil between compressions.

Infant CPR aims to generate blood flow while minimizing injury, so the chest is pressed with a relatively light, controlled depth. For infants, the chest is small and more compliant, so the depth is kept shallow—about half to one inch (roughly 1.25 to 2.5 cm). This corresponds to compressing about one third of the chest’s depth, which provides perfusion without risking rib fractures or injury to developing organs. Deeper compressions would be unsafe for an infant, while compressions that are too shallow may not circulate enough blood. In practice, use the appropriate technique (two fingers for a single rescuer, encircling thumbs for two rescuers) at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute and ensure full chest recoil between compressions.