September 11, 2025

How to Use an AED on Infants and Children: A Complete Safety Guide

When a child suffers sudden cardiac arrest, every second counts. Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) can save lives – even for infants and small children. Here’s everything you need to know about using AEDs safely on children.

Can You Use an AED on Infants and Children?

Yes, AEDs can be used on infants and children. Modern AED technology features include special pediatric settings designed for children weighing under 55 pounds. The key is using the right equipment and proper technique.

What Makes Pediatric AEDs Different?

Pediatric AED pads are specifically designed for small bodies:

Smaller size for better fit on tiny chests
Lower energy output (appropriate shock strength for children)
Clear markings to show they’re for pediatric use

When Adult AED Pads Are Your Only Option

Can you use adult AED pads on a child? Yes, if pediatric pads aren’t available. Here’s why:

Without treatment, sudden cardiac arrest is fatal within 10 minutes. Using adult pads with a stronger shock is better than no treatment at all. The larger pads may be harder to position correctly, but they can still save a life.

Proper AED Pad Placement for Children

For Infants (Under 1 Year)

Use anterior/posterior placement:

Place one pad on the center of the chest
Place the second pad on the center of the back

For Children (Ages 1-8)

Use anterior/lateral placement:

First pad: Right side of chest, below the collarbone
Second pad: Left side of chest, a few inches below the armpit

Always follow your AED’s voice prompts and visual instructions.

Responding to Infant Cardiac Arrest: The Chain of Survival

The American Heart Association’s Chain of Survival applies to both adults and children:

1. Recognize and Call 911

Check if the child is unresponsive
Look for abnormal breathing
Call 911 immediately

2. Start CPR

Push hard and fast on the center of the chest
Use appropriate force for a child’s smaller body
Aim for 100-120 compressions per minute

3. Use the AED

Turn on the AED and follow voice prompts
Attach pads as instructed
Ensure no one touches the child during shock delivery

4. Continue Until Help Arrives

Keep alternating CPR and AED use as directed
Don’t stop until emergency responders take over

CPR Guidelines for Infants and Children

When to Start CPR on a Child

Begin CPR immediately if a child is:

Unresponsive
Not breathing normally
Has no detectable pulse

CPR Compression Ratio

The compression-to-breath ratio remains 30:2 for children (30 compressions, then 2 rescue breaths). However, hands-only CPR is acceptable and increasingly recommended.

Important: Use gentler compressions on infants to avoid injury while still providing effective chest compressions.

Where do I place AED Infant Child Pads?

The American Red Cross outlines exactly how to attach AED Pads to an infant. Always use an anterior/posterior pad placement, meaning place one pad on the center of the infant’s chest and one on the center of the back.

For children over the age of 1 but under the age of 8, it is safe to use the anterior/lateral AED pad placement by attaching one pad to the right of the sternum and below the right clavicle. The other pad will be placed on the left side of the chest a few inches below the left armpit.

How Do You Respond to Infant Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

SCA Aware created the gold-standard ‘Chain of Survival’ on how to properly respond to Sudden Cardiac Arrest. The same logic applies to both infants and adults.

The links in the Chain of Survival are:

Recognize SCA and Call 911: If a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 911. Follow the emergency dispatcher’s instructions.
Start CPR: Start CPR to triple the chance of survival. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest (100-120 pumps/minute).
Use AED: Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) to restart the heart. Follow the step-by-step audio/visual instructions.
EMS response: Emergency medical services professionals provide advanced life support and transport to hospital.
Hospital care: Hospital professionals provide integrated post-cardiac arrest advanced care, which can include mild therapeutic hypothermia.
Recovery: Care team addresses the unique physical, social, and emotional needs of survivors and their families, both in the hospital and post hospital discharge.

When to use CPR on an Infant

If an infant or child is unresponsive, not breathing and has no detectable pulse, it’s time to start CPR.

The rules of CPR for infants are the same as for adults, however, a first responder must take into consideration an infant’s more delicate body when performing compressions to avoid causing serious injury.

What is the CPR Ratio for an Infant Child?

The CPR Ratio for infants and adults is the same at 30:2, which is 30 compressions followed by two rescue breaths. However, the according to the American Heart Association, ‘hands only’ CPR is acceptable and becoming the standard in the post-COVID world.

AED Devices adapted for use on Children

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ZOLL AED 3

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How do I purchase Pediatric AED Pads?

At AED Brands, we sell pediatric pads for all current devices. To find the correct Pediatric AED Pad for your device, locate the ‘AED Accessories’ tab on the navigation menu and browse under the ‘AED Pediatric Pads’ section.

CPR Classes for Infants and Adults

The CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification course offered by EMS Safety Services, Inc. is OSHA compliant and is approved by federal, state, municipal and private/nonprofit organizations. Click here for a complete description. This training program may be taught separately or as part of a comprehensive safety course.