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Infant CPR. It’s the last thing a new parent wants to think about, but taking a baby CPR class could mean the difference between life and death. As a new or soon-to-be parent, it’s unlikely that the ins and outs of cardiopulmonary resuscitation are fresh in your mind, but thankfully there are many baby CPR classes available today. Both in-person and virtual, free and fee-based infant CPR classes are available, making learning this life-saving skill accessible to all. Don’t put this one on the back burner – scheduling infant and toddler CPR classes is easy. Read on to find the right class for you.
When is the right time to learn infant CPR?
It’s best to take a baby CPR class during your pregnancy. Doing so in your second trimester might give you the best brain power to soak up this essential baby safety skill – not to mention, kneeling over a baby manikin is a bit easier without a big belly.
What will I learn in an infant CPR class?
Infant CPR classes teach the lifesaving skills of recognizing and responding to emergencies when a child under the age of 1 is choking, not breathing or unresponsive. While this is the last thing a new parent wants to think about, studying and practicing infant choking measures and CPR on a manikin will help you feel more confident in your ability to handle emergencies.
While all baby CPR classes teach cardiopulmonary resuscitation (the process of providing chest compressions and/or rescue breaths), some also teach other skills like infant first aid and baby proofing. Classes aim at healthcare providers and professional caregivers may also teach the use of a defibrillator.
Who should take an infant CPR class?
Emergencies can happen anytime, to anyone. Knowing how to help a choking or unresponsive infant is an essential skill for anyone who spends time around babies:
- Parents
- Grandparents
- Aunts + uncles
- Older siblings
- Caregivers
- Healthcare providers
- Lifeguards
How long does it take to learn infant CPR?
Classes vary in length from quick basic refreshers to multiple hours-long, in-depth instruction. Baby safety and CPR classes can be completed in an afternoon from the comfort of your own home, or in a multi-day hands-on professional training for healthcare providers. If a new parent can’t complete an infant CPR class before their baby is born, at the absolute minimum they should watch infant CPR videos on Youtube before they can complete a complete CPR course.
How much do Baby CPR classes cost?
Paid classes in this article range from $29 – $47. However, free options exist online and even sometimes in the community at non-profits or emergency responder sites. More expensive, in-depth training is available for those requiring professional training and/or certification.
Where can I learn infant CPR?
Infant and toddler CPR classes are widely available. While the best method to learn CPR is in person with a qualified instructor, this is not always possible, especially during the pandemic. Thankfully, online classes provide another route for learning baby safety and CPR skills.
American Heart Association
The American Heart Association’s Infant CPR Anytime® Training Kits offer the best of both worlds: hands-on training with a manikin in the comfort and safety of your own home. With your own manikin, you can practice CPR as often as you want. While this option lacks the benefit of a dedicated instructor, following along with the interactive DVD is an effective way to learn infant CPR and choking prevention. This costs $39 plus $8 shipping and does not come with certification.
Many training centers offer AHA-certified, face-to-face CPR classes across the country. Click here to locate a class in your area.
American Red Cross
Like the AHA, the American Red Cross is another gold-standard option in the world of CPR training. The Red Cross offer a plethora of face-to-face and online classes in CPR, first aid, and safety for individuals, babysitters and healthcare providers. Of note is their online Child and Baby First Aid/CPR/AED class, which teaches life-saving skills for infants through age 12. This $35 go-at-your-own-pace class offers a variety of video, written, and interactive content for all learning styles. If a CPR certificate is desired, you can follow up this online class with an instructor-led skill session within 90 days.
Tinyhood
If brief, to-the-point video is your learning style, this Safety 101 class from Tinyhood is for you. Access video modules for two years and learn CPR and choking procedures for infants and children up to age 12. This course costs $29 and is a great option to learn at your own pace in the comfort of your own home.
ProTrainings
ProTrainings offers unique options to learn baby safety and CPR. You can take their online class totally free, accessing their CPR training library of video modules and testing as many times as you’d like for free. The library consists of in-depth video tutorials on respiratory and cardiac arrest, choking, and bleeding in infants, children, and adults. If you need a certificate or prefer to follow up with hands-on training, additional fees apply. Learn more on the ProTrainings website.
Learn Infant CPR Today
There are many different options for taking infant and toddler CPR classes. You can learn online through video modules, practice with your own manikin, or take a hands-on course with a trained instructor. At the same time you learn CPR you can also learn how to resolve choking, stop bleeding, and provide basic first aid. These skills are essential in case on an emergency, and will help you walk into parenthood with more confidence. Knowing how to save a life through CPR is a superpower accessible to everyone.