Using an AED on Infants & Children: Pediatric Pads, Placement & Safety (2026)

Yes—you can and should use an AED on a child or infant in cardiac arrest. Modern AEDs are designed to be used safely on children, and the single most important rule is this: never withhold defibrillation from a child because the “perfect” equipment isn't on hand. This guide explains the 2026, AHA-aligned approach to pediatric pads, dose attenuators, and pad placement.

This article is general education, not medical advice or a substitute for certified CPR/AED training. Always follow your AED's voice prompts and current AHA guidance.

The simple rule: by size, then by age

• Under 8 years old or under 55 lbs (25 kg): Use pediatric pads and a pediatric dose attenuator if your device has them. These reduce the shock energy to a level appropriate for a smaller body.
• 8 years and older or 55 lbs and up: Use standard adult pads at standard energy.
• No pediatric pads available? Use the adult pads. A shock at adult energy is not ideal for a small child, but defibrillation is the only effective treatment for the rhythms an AED detects—and a shock is far better than no shock. The 2025 AHA guidelines are explicit that an AED without a dose attenuator may still be lifesaving.

Infants (under 1 year)

For an infant in cardiac arrest, a manual defibrillator operated by trained medical personnel is preferred. If one isn't immediately available, use an AED with a pediatric dose attenuator. If neither is available, use a standard AED. The principle is the same at every age: don't delay defibrillation waiting for better equipment.

Pad placement on a child or infant

On small chests, pads can be too large to sit side by side without touching—and pads that touch can short-circuit the shock. The fix is anterior-posterior (front-and-back) placement:

• One pad on the center of the chest, between the midline and the left nipple.
• One pad on the center of the back, between the shoulder blades.

For larger children whose chest can keep the pads well separated, standard anterior-lateral placement is also acceptable—evidence shows comparable outcomes. The non-negotiable rule: the pads must never touch each other. Make sure the chest is bare and dry before applying. For step-by-step basics that apply to all ages, see how to use an AED and our detailed guide to AED pad placement on infants.

How pediatric energy doses work

A child's smaller body needs a lower, “attenuated” dose. Where an adult AED might deliver 150–200 joules, a pediatric configuration reduces that substantially—some devices step down to roughly 50 joules in pediatric mode. Manufacturers handle this in a few ways:

• Pediatric pads with the attenuator built into the electrodes (most common today)
• A pediatric key or switch on the device that lowers the dose
• A combined cartridge, such as HeartSine's Pediatric-Pak

Pediatric pads are usually a different color and show a child illustration so rescuers don't confuse them under stress. Keep a set with any AED placed where children are present. Browse AED pads by model to confirm you have the right pediatric option.

Where pediatric capability matters most

Schools, youth sports facilities, pediatric clinics, daycares, churches with children's programs, and family homes should all stock pediatric pads alongside their AED. If you're outfitting one of these settings, see best AED for schools and our AEDs for Schools collection, and pair the device with current CPR skills—start with the basics of CPR.

Frequently asked questions

Can you use an adult AED on a child?

Yes. If pediatric pads or a dose attenuator are not available, use the adult pads rather than withhold a shock. Keep the pads from touching by using front-and-back (anterior-posterior) placement on small chests.

At what age do you switch from pediatric to adult AED pads?

Use pediatric pads for children under 8 years old or under 55 pounds (25 kg). Use standard adult pads for children 8 years and older or 55 pounds and up.

Can an AED shock hurt a child?

An AED only advises a shock when it detects a treatable rhythm, and pediatric pads or attenuators lower the energy for smaller bodies. The risk of not defibrillating a child in cardiac arrest is far greater than the risk of the shock.