Important Update: Infant CPR & Choking First-Aid Guidelines (AHA/AAP 2025)

In 2025, the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released updated guidelines for pediatric and neonatal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and choking response. These guidelines reflect the most current science on emergency care and first-aid practices for infants and children. American Heart Association+1

Key highlights families and caregivers should know:

• Choking response for infants (children under 1 year):
  The updated recommendations call for repeated cycles of 5 back blows alternating with 5 chest thrusts until the object is cleared or help arrives. Abdominal thrusts are not recommended for infants due to safety concerns. American Heart Association+1

• Early activation of emergency services continues to be emphasized — recognizing distress and calling 911 quickly can be critical in emergencies. American Heart Association

• These updates are part of a broader effort to unify and clarify CPR and choking response guidance across ages while still recognizing age-specific differences in technique. HealthyChildren.org

If you haven’t taken infant/child first-aid or CPR training, this update reinforces why proper training matters — clarity on technique can help you feel more prepared in an emergency.

For complete guideline details and official recommendations, please visit the American Heart Association or American Red Cross resources. (link to heart.org and redcross.org)

Why this Matters

At Moss & Fawn, we care about your family’s well-being beyond mealtime and play. Feeding and playtime often involve small parts and food textures that can pose choking hazards. While our products are thoughtfully designed to support mindful and safer feeding experiences, nothing replaces skill-based first-aid training and readiness.

This information is educational and reflects guideline highlights only. It is not medical advice and does not replace professional training or certification.