Recovery Position (Baby)

Overview

If a baby is not responding to you but breathing normally, it’s safe to put them in the recovery position to keep the airway open and to prevent them from choking. 

If someone is unconscious and not breathing normally, call for an ambulance and start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) straight away. 

To check if a person is still breathing:

• look to see if their chest is rising and falling
• listen over their mouth and nose for breathing sounds
• feel their breath against your cheek for 10 seconds

Immediate First Aid Steps

The following steps refer to the recovery position for adults and children. To find out how to put a child or adult in the recovery position, there is a separate page.

1. If a baby is unresponsive but breathing, put them in the recovery position.
2. Cradle the baby in your arms, with their head tilted downwards to prevent them from choking or inhaling vomit.
3. Call an ambulance for emergency help and continuously monitor their breathing and level of consciousness until help arrives.

When To Seek Medical Help

Call an ambulance or seek immediate medical help (e.g. Emergency Department) if:

• someone is injured
• someone is unconscious or not breathing properly
• you suspect a spinal injury