If you realize that your baby is experiencing difficulty in breathing the following are things that you can do:

In the first four seconds try to figure out the possible reason for his or her difficulty in breathing. If you discover that it is because he or she is choking then a few taps on the back may be the remedy for him or her.

If choking was not the cause, then immediately call for medical assistance. In the meantime place your baby on a flat surface such as the floor or a table. Tilt his or her head backwards so as to open up his or her airway. Provide support for the neck and bend down to try to hear if the baby is breathing.

If you feel that the baby has started to breathe but is struggling check if his lips are pink, if they are pink then you need not start giving him or her breaths. This being the case, be sure to still keep his airway open.

If, on the other hand, his lips turn blue, this means that he is not getting enough oxygen. This is a sign that you need to give the baby breaths to assist the baby’s breathing process.

Begin by taking a breath, place your mouth over the baby’s nose and mouth and give about four gently breaths into the baby’s mouth for five seconds. In an adult CPR you may need to pinch the nostrils but remember that you cannot and should not do this with an infant.

Don’t take a deep breath because too much air may trigger vomiting. Check for the pulse in the artery above the wrist. If you find it difficult to locate this try the brachial pulse located about halfway between the elbow and the shoulder on the inside part of the arm.

If there is a pulse, continue giving a breath for every five seconds. Remember that at this point you do not have to compress the chest.

If you can’t feel a pulse, then it’s best that you do chest compression. Using your first two fingers, press the middle of the breastbone. The breastbone is located at the point where the ribs meet. The pressure you need to use such that is enough to be able to press down about an inch into the chest.

Do not forget that while doing all of these, you are to provide constant head and neck support and to keep the airway open.

The ratio of the compressions to time should be about five compressions for every three seconds and one breath for every five compressions.