In what position should you hold an infant when giving back blows?

When providing back blows to an infant who is choking, the appropriate position is face-down along your forearm. This position allows gravity to assist in helping to dislodge an obstruction from the baby's airway while also ensuring that you maintain control over the infant’s body and head. Holding the infant in this manner keeps the airway open and allows the back blows to effectively create the necessary force to dislodge any item that may be causing the choking hazard.

The forearm also provides a stable surface for the infant, minimizing the risk of dropping them during the intervention. Placing the infant in this position allows you to use the heel of your hand to deliver firm back blows between the shoulder blades, which can help in clearing the airway.

In contrast, holding the infant face-up on your arm may not provide adequate access to deliver effective back blows, and it does not utilize gravity in a beneficial way for dislodging an obstruction. Similarly, a seated position on the knee does not provide the same leverage or safety, and a standing position could risk instability and falling during the process, making face-down on the forearm the safest and most effective approach for delivering the necessary assistance.