When opening an infant's airway for rescue breaths, what position should their head be in?

When providing rescue breaths to an infant, positioning the head in a neutral "sniffing" position is critical. This position involves aligning the infant's airway by gently tilting the head back slightly while keeping chin and neck in a neutral alignment.

This approach helps to open the airway effectively without causing obstruction, which can occur if the head is tilted excessively backward or if the chin is lifted too high. The "sniffing" position mimics the natural alignment of the airway, allowing air to flow more freely into the lungs during rescue breaths. Proper positioning is vital for effective ventilation, ensuring that the breaths delivered are adequate to provide the necessary oxygen to the infant.