What is the recommended number of fingers to use when providing CPR to an infant?

When providing CPR to an infant, the correct technique recommends using two fingers to perform chest compressions. This method is specifically designed for the small size and fragility of an infant's chest, ensuring that the compressions are both effective and safe. Using two fingers allows for adequate force to be applied while minimizing the risk of causing injury to the infant. Moreover, the placement of the fingers is crucial; they should be positioned just below the nipple line in the center of the chest.

This approach is in line with guidelines established by the American Heart Association for infant CPR, which prioritize both effectiveness in restoring circulation and ensuring that the procedure is appropriate for the anatomical and physiological characteristics of infants. Utilizing one finger would likely not provide sufficient depth or force in compressions, while using three or four fingers could lead to difficulty in controlling the compression depth and potentially causing harm. Thus, using two fingers strikes an optimal balance for delivering effective CPR to an infant.