What position should the airway of a child be in when checking for breathing?

The appropriate position for checking a child's airway is to ensure it is slightly past neutral. This positioning is crucial because it helps to keep the airway open by aligning the structures in such a way that any potential obstruction from the tongue or other tissues is minimized. In children, the airways are relatively smaller and more flexible, so achieving this slightly past neutral position can significantly improve airflow.

A fully extended position could lead to hyperextension of the neck, which may close off the airway, while a straight line position could also result in ineffective airway patency for a child. A curved to the side position might not be effective, as it can obstruct the airway or make it harder to assess breathing properly. Therefore, positioning the child's airway slightly past neutral strikes the right balance for optimal access to the airway during an emergency.