One of the most important skills a new parent can learn is CPR and basic Infant first aid skills. While none of us expect the worst to happen – it sometimes does, and preparation is key.

I recommend all parents and parents-to-be to take an Infant Cpr class. It might take a little bit of time out of your day-to-day life, but it has the potential to save your child’s life. If you are looking for a good online class, I highly recommend Thrive Training Institute’s virtual training. It’s all virtual and has great videos and demonstrations to help you feel confident.

Here’s a quick overview of infant CPR and other first aid skills to get you started!

1. Infant CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation):

• Check for Responsiveness: Gently tap your baby and shout to check if they respond. If there is no physical response, proceed with CPR.
• Call for Help: If you’re alone, perform CPR for about two minutes before calling for help. If someone else is with you, have them call emergency services while you begin CPR.
• Chest Compressions: Place two fingers in the center of the baby’s chest, just below the nipple line. Press down firmly about 1.5 inches at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
• Rescue Breaths: After 30 compressions, cover your baby’s mouth and nose with your mouth and give two gentle breaths, watching for the chest to rise.
• Continue CPR: Alternate between 30 compressions and 2 breaths until help arrives or your baby shows signs of movement and breathing.

2. Choking:

Choking becomes more of a hazard once your child starts solid foods. It’s important to understand the difference between gagging and Choking, too. Avoid letting your child eat high choke hazardous foods, such as popcorn, grapes, hard candy, and more.

Signs of Choking: If your baby is choking, they may have difficulty breathing, cough weakly or not at all, and their face may turn red or blue. If a baby is crying or making loud noises, they likely aren’t choking.

Back Blows: If your baby is conscious and choking, support their head and neck, then deliver up to five back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.

Chest Thrusts: If back blows do not dislodge the object, support the baby’s head and neck and give up to five chest thrusts, using two fingers in the center of the chest.

Check the Mouth: After each set of back blows and chest thrusts, check the baby’s mouth for the object. If you see it, remove it with your fingers.

3. First Aid for Injuries:

Burns: Run cool water over the burn for at least 10 minutes. Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage and seek medical attention if necessary.

Cuts and Scrapes: Clean the wound with mild soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a sterile bandage.

Fever: Use a thermometer to monitor your baby’s temperature. If it’s above 100.4°F (38°C), consult your healthcare provider for advice.

4. Prevention:

Childproof Your Home: Remove choking hazards, secure furniture and appliances, and use safety gates and cabinet locks to prevent accidents.

Learn CPR and First Aid: Take a CPR and first aid course specifically designed for infants and young children.

Stay Informed: Stay up-to-date on safety guidelines and recommendations for infant care.

Learning infant CPR and first aid may not prevent all problems, but it can give you more confidence if something were to happen. Consider taking a CPR and first aid course to learn these essential skills firsthand. As previously mentioned, I highly recommend Thrive Training Institute!

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