when giving chest thrusts, where on the choking infant’s chest should the responder give thrusts?

Chest thrusts on a choking infant should be given on the middle of the breastbone (sternum), just below the nipple line on the center of the chest, not over the ribs or the very bottom tip of the sternum.

Quick Scoop: Safe Hand Placement

• Turn the infant face-up, with the head lower than the chest for safety and effectiveness.

• Place two fingers (usually your index and middle finger) on the center of the chest, along the breastbone.
• Your fingers should be just below the nipple line , avoiding the lower ribs and the xiphoid (the small tip at the bottom of the breastbone) to reduce risk of injury.

• Give up to 5 quick chest thrusts , pressing down about one‑third the depth of the chest to try to expel the object.

In many basic life support and first‑aid courses, this is taught as “two fingers in the center of the chest, just below the nipples” for a choking infant under one year.

Tiny Scenario (to picture it)

You’re holding a choking baby, and they can’t cry or cough.
You lay them along your forearm face‑up, their head slightly lower than their body.
You find the line between the nipples, slide your two fingers just below that line, right on the hard center of the chest, and deliver firm, quick thrusts straight down, then let the chest recoil, up to five times.

Important Safety Notes

• Do not press on the stomach (no abdominal thrusts/Heimlich) for infants; it can injure internal organs.

• Do not do chest thrusts or back blows if the baby can cough forcefully, cry, or breathe adequately; encourage coughing and watch closely instead.

• Always seek emergency medical help if the obstruction does not clear quickly or if the infant becomes unresponsive.

TL;DR: Place two fingers in the center of the infant’s chest, on the breastbone just below the nipple line, and give sharp downward thrusts.