How should you position an infant while delivering back slaps for choking?

When delivering back slaps to an infant who is choking, the proper positioning is crucial for the effectiveness of the procedure and safety of the child. Positioning the infant face down with their head lower than their chest creates a natural incline that allows gravity to assist in dislodging the obstruction from the airway. This position enables the back slaps to be directed effectively between the shoulder blades, which is the correct technique to help relieve the choking.

Having the head lower than the chest helps utilize gravity to encourage the dislodging of the object, and the infant's body mechanics support the force of the back slaps. When performed correctly, this method can help expel the object causing the choking, minimizing the risk of it getting lodged further into the airway.

In contrast, other positions may not provide the same benefit. For instance, positioning the infant on their back with their head tilted forward or in a sitting position does not take advantage of gravity in the same way and could potentially lead to less effective outcomes.