Parents of Toddlers Should Know CPR

Many parents take childbirth classes and parenting classes before their baby arrives, but very few of these courses include instruction on how to perform CPR on an infant or child.

I find this surprising since it's one of those must-ask questions on the list for babysitters and child care providers. I mean, nobody wants to leave their children with someone who couldn't save their lives if it came down to it... but if you don't know CPR yourself, that's what you're doing every day, right?

I've been certified several times before and I've had to use it twice. Still, it's not like riding a bike -- at least not for me. I kept my certification up when it was necessary for my work, but I've let it slide in recent years. The other day, it dawned on me that I couldn't exactly remember how many rescue breaths and compressions were for infants and children versus adults.

I'm going to take another class next month. If you have never taken a class or need a refresher, I hope you'll do the same.

Related:

• Performing Infant CPR
• Performing Child CPR (1-8 years old)
• Before You Choose a CPR Class
• Which Comes First: CPR or 9-1-1?