How should an infant's airway be opened during CPR?

During CPR for an infant, the airway should be opened by tilting the head to a sniffing position. This method allows for optimal positioning of the airway without risking airway obstruction. Infants have a unique anatomical structure, such as a larger head in proportion to their body and a more flexible neck, which makes careful positioning essential.

Tilting the head into the sniffing position helps align the oral and pharyngeal axes, facilitating unobstructed airflow. This position is ideal as it helps to minimize the risk of airway compromise that could occur if the neck is extended too far or flexed incorrectly.

In contrast, fully extending the neck can cause airway obstruction rather than opening it, and using the palm-of-the-hand technique does not specifically address airway positioning. Lifting the chin with two fingers is more appropriate for older children and adults and may not provide the necessary alignment for infants. Therefore, tilting the head to a sniffing position is the most effective and safest method for opening an infant's airway during CPR.