How do compressions differ on a baby compared to an adult?

Using two fingers and compressing to a depth of one and a half inches is the appropriate method for performing chest compressions on an infant. Infants have smaller bodies and more delicate structures compared to adults, which necessitates a gentler approach to ensure that compressions are effective without risking injury.

The specified depth of one and a half inches is crucial as it allows for adequate circulation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), ensuring that the heart can effectively push blood to vital organs without causing harm to the infant's chest. This approach contrasts with adults, for whom full hand compressions are used with greater depth, typically around two inches or more, to accommodate their larger ribcage and structural integrity.

In practice, using two fingers for compressions allows for both precision and control, which is critical given the fragility of an infant's chest compared to that of an adult.