When performing rescue breaths on an infant, the head is not fully tilted back because the infant's trachea (windpipe) is soft and easily obstructed by excessive backward head tilt. Instead, the infant's head should be kept in a neutral position or slightly tilted back just enough to open the airway without overextending the neck. This ensures the airway remains open without bending or collapsing the soft trachea, which could block airflow. The chin lift is used gently to open the mouth and support the airway without putting pressure on the soft tissues under the chin or the neck.
Excessive head tilt in infants can distort or occlude the airway because their anatomical structures are delicate and more prone to collapse compared to older children or adults. Therefore, the recommended practice is to maintain a neutral or slightly extended head position to keep the airway patent while avoiding injury or airway obstruction.
