A child may stop breathing for a number of reasons such as obstructed airway, head injury, drowning, allergic reaction, or asthma.
Obstructed airway is the most common reason in smaller children.
If a baby or a child stops breathing, immediate emergency action is needed. Call 911 or the emergency medical system in your area. It is important to learn basic life support techniques for choking and other medical emergencies. For more information, contact your local chapters of the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. These organizations offer classes in CPR, the Heimlich maneuver, and other life-saving techniques.