Why CPR on Babies in Your Arms Is Dangerous and Not Recommended

Ellen Rheinberger
Dec 15, 2025
3 min read

From time to time, videos circulate online showing CPR being performed on babies while they are held in someone’s arms. These clips are often shared with good intentions, particularly among parents and carers, but this technique is unsafe, ineffective and not supported by Australian first aid guidelines.

As paramedics and first aid educators delivering paediatric first aid training across regional NSW — including Orange, Bathurst, Lithgow, Mudgee, Blayney and Oberon — this is a misconception we see far too often. And in an emergency, correct technique can make the difference between life and death.

Infant CPR Requires a Firm, Flat Surface

Effective CPR works by compressing the heart between the sternum and the spine, creating blood flow to the brain and vital organs. For this to occur, the body must be supported by a firm, flat surface.

When CPR is attempted while holding a baby:

The chest is not adequately supported
Compression force is absorbed by the rescuer’s arms
The heart is not compressed effectively
Blood flow is significantly reduced

CPR performed this way is unlikely to generate meaningful circulation, even if the rescuer is trying their best.

Poor Quality CPR Leads to Poor Outcomes

High-quality CPR depends on:

Correct hand or finger placement
Consistent compression depth
Stable positioning
A steady rhythm

Trying to achieve all of this while holding a baby introduces unnecessary instability. Under stress, fine motor skills deteriorate, making it even harder to maintain safe positioning and effective compressions.

Placing a baby on a flat surface — such as the floor, a table or the ground — allows the rescuer to focus on delivering proper CPR rather than struggling to maintain control.

Increased Risk of Injury

Babies have limited head and neck control and delicate anatomy. Performing CPR in your arms increases the risk of:

Inadequate head and neck support
Excessive movement during compressions
Accidental drops
Improper compression depth

These risks are completely avoidable by placing the infant on a firm surface before beginning CPR.

What the Australian Resuscitation Council Says

The Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines clearly state that CPR should be performed on a firm, flat surface for adults, children and infants.

There are no ARC-supported scenarios where performing CPR on a baby in someone’s arms is recommended.

This guidance is consistent across all recognised first aid and resuscitation bodies in Australia.

Why This Is Especially Important in Regional Communities

In regional areas such as Mudgee, Oberon, Blayney and Lithgow, emergency response times can be longer simply due to distance. Parents, carers and bystanders may need to provide effective CPR for longer periods before professional help arrives.

In these situations, correct technique is critical.

During paediatric first aid courses we run in Orange, Bathurst and surrounding communities, one of the most common fears parents express is doing the wrong thing under pressure. Clear, practical training helps replace fear with confidence.

What to Do Instead

If a baby is unresponsive and not breathing normally:

Place the baby on a firm, flat surface
Call for help or ask someone to call Triple Zero (000)
Start CPR using the correct infant technique
Continue until help arrives or the baby shows signs of life

Simple steps, done well, save lives.

The Role of Paediatric First Aid Training

Quality paediatric first aid training allows parents and carers to practise CPR techniques in a calm environment, build muscle memory, and understand why guidelines exist — not just memorise them.

This is especially important for families in regional NSW, where being prepared can genuinely change outcomes.