For infants, what is a critical step when performing rescue breaths?

When performing rescue breaths for infants, sealing the mouth and nose with a single breath is essential because it helps create an effective barrier, allowing the breath to be delivered directly into the lungs without significant air loss. Infants have smaller airways, and maintaining an airtight seal ensures that the positive pressure created by the rescue breath is utilized fully, which is crucial in providing adequate ventilation.

In contrast to adults, whose mouths can be sealed more independently, sealing both the mouth and nose of an infant is necessary due to their anatomy. This method helps to ensure that the infant receives sufficient oxygen during each breath, which is vital in a resuscitation scenario. Using this technique maximizes the efficacy of the breaths given, which can be lifesaving in emergencies.