Best Infant CPR Classes

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Unless you’re a healthcare professional, it’s unlikely the basics of cardiopulmonary resuscitation are fresh in your mind—even if you took a CPR class at some point in the past.

Whether you need to brush up on your skills or learn from scratch, it’s easier than ever to find an infant CPR class both in-person and online. Most major institutions, like the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association, offer easy-to-take online courses in CPR, the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), and basic first aid.

Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, a health professional, or anyone in need of CPR training, we have answers to your questions about certification plus recommendations for the best infant CPR classes.

Best Overall : American Heart Association Infant CPR Anytime® Training Kits


American Heart Association Infant CPR Anytime® Training Kits

American Heart Association Infant CPR Anytime® Training Kits

Key Specs
  • Price: $38.50 plus $8 shipping
  • Duration: 20 minutes
  • Certification: No
Why We Chose It

If you are intimidated by the thought of using CPR on anyone, let alone a baby, this instructional DVD comes with a manikin so you can practice your technique until you’re comfortable.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Interactive and hands-on

  • DVD and manikin sent right to your home

  • One-time fee for repeated use with friends and family

Cons
  • No technical or instructor-based support

  • Does not include certification

Overview

If you’ve considered taking an online infant CPR course but worry you still wouldn’t know what to do if faced with a real-life emergency, we get it—watching someone else do CPR on an infant and actually performing lifesaving measures yourself are totally different things.

That’s why we love the Infant CPR Anytime Training kit by the American Heart Association (AHA). The instructional DVD and manikin set means you get to learn and practice your CPR skills from the comfort of home. Based on the AHA’s up-to-date guidelines, the 20-minute video reviews the basics of infant CPR, including how to perform resuscitation measures and how to handle infant choking. As you watch the video, you can follow along and practice on the infant-sized manikin, making sure you are 100% comfortable with the anatomy of an infant should you ever need to perform CPR on a baby.

While you won’t get any certification from this course, we still think the practical, hands-on training is worth its weight in gold. Plus, you can rewatch the video and practice your skills as many times as needed. You even can host your own training sessions for grandparents, sitters, friends, and family. The kit is $38.50 plus the cost of shipping (approximately $8), making it an affordable and incredibly easy way to familiarize yourself with infant CPR in a comfortable setting.

Best for New Parents : InfantCPR Infant CPR Class for Ages 0-1


InfantCPR Infant CPR Class for Ages 0-1

InfantCPR Infant CPR Class for Ages 0-1

Key Specs
  • Price: $40
  • Duration: 30 minutes
  • Certification: Yes
Why We Chose It

This course is quick but thorough, focusing on everything you need to know about performing CPR on babies younger than 1 year old.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Teaches CPR and choking relief for infants

  • Compatible from multiple devices

  • Written and video-based curriculum

Cons
  • Separate classes required for first aid on older kids

  • No instructor-based support

Overview

If you’re having a baby or are at home with a newborn, you don’t have a lot of time, energy, or mental bandwidth to learn a bunch of new skills. Still, knowing how to perform lifesaving measures on an infant is probably at the top of your priority list now that you’re faced with the reality of keeping a tiny human alive!

What you need is a short and to-the-point course that can teach you everything you need to know about giving CPR to an infant since it’s different from kids and adults. We love the InfantCPR class for babies ages 0 to 1 for exactly this reason. While you may want to learn child CPR in the future (and InfantCPR has classes for that), this course trims away all the fat to teach you exactly what you need to do if your baby stops breathing or is choking.

For $40, you’ll get a 30-minute course featuring video and written instructional content, which concludes with a 25-question exam and a certificate of completion when you pass the test. It’s quick and easy but incredibly informative, which is exactly what new parents need.

Best for Babysitters : SimpleCPR Adult, Child, Infant CPR/AED Training


SimpleCPR Adult, Child, Infant CPR/AED Training

SimpleCPR Adult, Child, Infant CPR/AED Training

Key Specs
  • Price: $20
  • Duration: 30 to 60 minutes
  • Certification: Yes
Why We Chose It

SimpleCPR is an affordable option for becoming fully certified in less than one hour, making it perfect for busy babysitters looking for a professional boost.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Covers CPR and AED for adults, children and infants

  • Includes a 2-year accreditation

  • Based on current AHA guidelines

Cons
  • Short course with lots of info; may not go in-depth for infants

  • No first aid training, which could be helpful for babysitters

Overview

Babysitting has turned into a fairly competitive business, and there’s no better way to increase your sitter appeal to prospective parents than by showing them you are certified in infant CPR. Babysitting doesn’t pay big bucks, so you need to be able to increase your professional profile without breaking the bank.

With a SimpleCPR course, in less than an hour you can be certified in CPR for all ages, including infants, all for only $20. You’ll learn how to assess emergencies and secure the environment, when to call 911, how to perform rescue breathing and chest compressions, and how to use an AED, among other skills.

At the end of the course, you can take and retake your exam free of charge as often as needed until you pass, and then you’ll receive a certification card right away that you print at home. Show off to all your clients to prove what a knowledgeable and responsible babysitter you are!

Best for Grandparents : American Red Cross Child and Baby First Aid/CPR/AED


American Red Cross Child and Baby First Aid/CPR/AED

American Red Cross Child and Baby First Aid/CPR/AED

Key Specs
  • Price: $35
  • Duration: 2.5 hours
  • Certification: No
Why We Chose It

Grandparents don’t need certification, just the knowledge to be able to help their grandchild in case of a medical emergency. This class is quick and affordable, with written and video content that appeals to everyone.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Go at your own pace

  • Includes virtual simulations for practice

  • Boosts confidence in caregivers

Crons
  • Not supported on mobile devices or Internet Explorer

  • No instructor-based support

Overview

In addition to the AHA, the American Red Cross offers the gold standard when it comes to lifesaving procedures and guidelines for CPR. We love that its Child and Baby First Aid/CPR/AED course takes its time outlining all those procedures and guidelines, offering a two- to three-hour class comprised of videos, written content, and interactive, real-world simulations. It’s perfect for grandparents who don’t need certification but want to feel confidently prepared to help their grandchild in an emergency.

For $35, you can sign up and take the course from your home computer; the course isn’t compatible with mobile devices, but its simplicity and ease of use might be a bonus. You’ll learn the basics of how to recognize and respond to medical emergencies, provide a range of first-aid strategies and lifesaving procedures, and perform rescue breathing and chest compressions for babies younger than 1 year old and children up to age 12.

Best for Educational Purposes : Tinyhood Safety 101 : CPR and Choking


Tinyhood Safety 101: CPR and Choking

Tinyhood Safety 101: CPR and Choking

Key Specs
  • Price: $29
  • Duration: 30 minutes
  • Certification: No
Why We Chose It

On-demand video content taught by a certified instructor and printable checklists make this a solid course for anyone who simply wants to learn infant CPR skills in the time it takes to cook dinner.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Brief, to-the-point video modules

  • Go at your own pace and revisit content for 2 years

  • Covers infant and child choking and CPR

Cons
  • Instruction is primarily video-based, which doesn’t work for everyone

  • No certification provided

Overview

If you don’t need certification and feel confident in your ability to transfer some basic knowledge over to a real-life emergency scenario, the Tinyhood Safety 101 course might be a good fit for you. Based on a series of short video modules honing in on different aspects of CPR and relief for infant or child choking, the course is a rapid-fire way to introduce yourself to new skills or brush up on old ones.

This course is video-based and includes instructions for handling infant choking and CPR from age 0 to 12 months. The infant CPR training segment includes three helpful scenario videos that will prep you for making on-the-spot decisions in an emergency. We also appreciate that there is a set of 10 visual checklists and guidelines you can print and keep handy for future reference, as well as a private group forum for chatting with other people who have taken the class. At $29, it’s an affordable, no-pressure way to learn a new skill in 30 minutes.

Best for Professional Certification : ProTrainings Adult, Child and Infant, Pediatric CPR/AED & First Aid


ProTrainings Adult, Child and Infant, Pediatric CPR/AED & First Aid

ProTrainings Adult, Child and Infant, Pediatric CPR/AED & First Aid

Key Specs
  • Price: $40
  • Duration: 4.5 hours
  • Certification: Yes 
Why We Chose It

With several different course options, it’s easy to find a program that meets your exact professional needs and fulfills your employer’s requirements.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • In-depth video training

  • Pay upon satisfactory completion

  • Blended options for additional hands-on training

Cons
  • Blended options cost extra 

  • Certification may or may not be accepted by your employer

Overview

If you work in child care, pediatric healthcare, are a first responder, or otherwise need to be certified in infant CPR for your job, you’ll need to make sure your employer will accept certification from whatever course you’re planning to take. In some cases, only in-person courses qualify, but if you’re allowed to take an online course instead, we strongly recommend this one by ProTrainings.

You will receive a comprehensive, four-hour course on performing first aid and CPR on infants, children, and adults, receive a two-year certification from the program, and the chance to practice your skills in a hands-on way. For an additional expense, you can choose a blended option that combines online learning with a virtual evaluation by a certified instructor. If you opt for this, ProTraining will send you a manikin and help you schedule your evaluation to complete your certification.

For the online course only, the Adult, Child and Infant, Pediatric CPR/AED & First Aid is only $40. If you choose the blended option, your overall expense will run from $95 to $140, depending on which course training you require. When you’re done, you can return to ProTraining for your recertification at a 10% discount.

Best for Online : National CPR Association Infant CPR Certification


National CPR Association Infant CPR Certification

National CPR Association Infant CPR Certification

Key Specs
  • Price: $40
  • Duration: Unspecified; work at your own pace
  • Certification: Yes
Why We Chose It
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Access the course online whenever you choose

  • Take practice tests and re-test for free

  • Instantly receive your certification at completion

Cons
  • No instructor-based support

  • Recertification will cost $30

Overview

The Infant CPR course at the National CPR Association is an entirely online course offering professional and personal two-year certification. Based on AHA guidelines, the course instructs you on the proper CPR techniques for babies up to 1 year old. While it might not be the jazziest option on this list, the course is full of technical and professional perks. You can access the material online anytime at your own pace, take practice tests and retake exams as many times as you need to, and even access the course materials for two years after you receive your certification.

The initial certification with the National CPR Association costs $40 and recertification costs $30. You’ll receive your certification instantly for downloading and printing, making it a one-stop-shop approach to signing up, learning, and becoming certified on your own convenient schedule.

Best Refresher : First Aid for Free Pediatric Online First Aid Course


First Aid for Free Pediatric Online First Aid Course

First Aid for Free Pediatric Online First Aid Course

Key Specs
  • Price: Free
  • Duration: Unspecified; work at your own pace
  • Certification: No
Why We Chose It

While it’s not as extensive as some others and you won’t be certified, it’s still a free and easy way to learn the basics.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Free of charge

  • Covers first aid, CPR, and choking

  • CPR tests are good for practice, studying, and skill review

  • Good supplement or refresher course

Cons
  • Not a lot of descriptive info online

  • You may need to take other courses for full knowledge of CPR

Overview

We won’t pretend this course is as in-depth as some of the others on this list, but if you’re looking for an entirely free option that you can refer to when you need a refresher on the skills you learned in another course, this is a decent choice. For example, if you took an infant CPR course while pregnant, but now that your baby is here, you aren’t sure if you remember what you learned, this course could help you feel more confident. 

To sign up, simply register with the site, and then you’ll be free to complete the online modules on your own time, at your own pace, as well as practice, test, and retest as often as you want.

The first module includes lifesaving skills, such as performing infant and child CPR and providing choking relief, while the second module is focused on handling medical emergencies, covering common childhood ailments like asthma and febrile seizures. If you like the zero-pressure method of learning CPR skills at home, First Aid for Free also offers several other courses, including basic and advanced CPR and both AED-only and CPR-only options.

Final Verdict

The American Heart Association’s Anytime Training Kit blends virtual education with hands-on learning to guarantee you’ll finish the course with confidence in your lifesaving skills. We love that you can take the class from the comfort of your home, practice on a baby manikin, and offer training sessions to grandparents, babysitters, or any extended family who might be caring for your child.

For brand new parents at home with a newborn, we love the ease and focus of InfantCPR’s class for babies aged 0 to 1. For professionals looking to receive certification for their training, the One-Year Online Provisional Adult and Pediatric CPR from the American Red Cross makes it simple to start the process to receive the credentials you need right online.

Compare the Best Infant CPR Classes

Company Pricing Duration Certification Online
American Heart Association Infant CPR Anytime Training Kit
Best Overall
$38.50 plus $8 shipping 20 minutes No No
InfantCPR Infant CPR Class for Ages 0-1
Best for New Parents
$40 30 minutes Yes Yes
SimpleCPR Adult, Child, Infant CPR/AED Training
Best for Babysitters
$20 30 to 60 minutes Yes Yes
American Red Cross Child and Baby First Aid/CPR/AED
Best for Grandparents
$35 2.5 hours No Yes
Tinyhood Safety 101: CPR and Choking
Best for Educational Purposes
$29 30 minutes No Yes
ProTrainings Adult, Child and Infant, Pediatric CPR/AED & First Aid
Best for Professional Certification
$40 4.5 hours Yes Yes
National CPR Association Infant CPR Certification
Best for Online
$40 Unspecified; work at your own pace Yes Yes
First Aid for Free Pediatric Online First Aid Course
Best Refresher
Free Unspecified; work at your own pace No Yes

Guide for Choosing the Best Infant CPR Classes

Should You Take an Infant CPR Class?

Anyone who might find themselves responsible for caring for a baby should know infant CPR. This includes:

  • New parents
  • Grandparents
  • Babysitters and nannies
  • Pediatric healthcare professionals
  • First responders
  • Daycare staff 
  • Lifeguards

Comparing Infant CPR Classes

The goal or intended outcome of a course may be different, depending on who you are. Parents and grandparents don’t need to be officially certified, for example—they only need the education and training—while a healthcare professional does need certification.

Here are the things you should keep in mind when comparing and, ultimately, choosing an infant CPR class:

  • Ages taught: CPR classes are taught for three different age groups: adults, children, and infants. Infant classes include 0- to 1-year-olds; children’s classes include kids between the ages of 1 and 12; and adult classes include anyone older than the age of puberty.
  • Certification: Almost all CPR classes will offer you some kind of proof of completion, but that doesn’t mean you’re actually accredited in CPR. In some cases, this is only a certificate of participation in the course. If you need to be officially certified for your job, make sure you’re taking a course that will give you the credits needed for your employer or institution to know you’re fully accredited. Some states require in-person training for certification. 
  • Instructors: It’s always best to learn from an instructor who is CPR-certified or take a course through an accredited organization such as the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.
  • Location: Do you want an online-only course you can take at home? A blended course that’s half online and half in-person with a skilled instructor? Note whether your employer has specified whether an online course accreditation is acceptable.
  • Recertification: Most certifications are active only for one or two years, so pay attention to how long yours will last with any class you take. Many courses allow you to easily return for recertification, sometimes even for free, making the process fairly simple.

Signing Up for Infant CPR Classes

For the most part, you can sign up for an infant CPR class online even if the class itself is offered fully or partially in person. For both, note the overall time commitment. For example, do you have four hours to participate in online modules, or do you need a 20-minute course?

With any certification-based course, you will have to take and pass a test at completion. Even some more informal classes that don’t offer certification include a test, just to be sure you’ve really learned the necessary skills. In nearly all cases, you can take the test as many times as necessary without penalty until you pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do Infant CPR Classes Provide Certification?

    Some provide certification while others don’t. When choosing between courses, be mindful of the term “certificate,” which can be confusing. A “certificate of participation” may not be the same as a certificate verifying that you’re qualified to perform infant CPR.

    If you need official certification for your job (as a babysitter, daycare teacher, healthcare professional, etc.), make sure the course certifies you to perform infant CPR for one to two years and that your place of employment will accept that particular certification. Companies offering full certificates usually state that their course meets employer or Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements for CPR training.

  • What Do Infant CPR Classes Teach?

    The content of individual classes varies because there isn’t one accepted set of standards for performing CPR or any agency providing official accreditation for programs. However, most courses do follow the guidelines and instruction methods taught by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.

    In an infant CPR class, you'll learn how to assess emergencies, secure the scene, call 911, check for responsiveness, and what to do until emergency responders arrive. The class will also teach you how to recognize signs of infant choking, how to open the airway and check for breathing, and how to perform CPR, rescue breaths, and compressions.

  • Is CPR Different for Infants?

    Infant CPR is different from adult and child CPR because it requires using two fingers for chest compressions rather than two hands, as well as a ratio of 15 compressions and two breaths. An infant (aged 12 months and younger) requires this faster CPR timing and a higher ratio of compressions to breaths than children or adults.

Methodology

To compile this list of infant CPR classes, we looked first at accessibility. While there are many in-person courses all over the country, larger organizations can be inconsistent with location availability and smaller organizations often are limited to just one state. Instead, we opted for courses that are offered online or at home, with some—like the courses from the American Red Cross—offered either online or at an in-person location.

Next, we assessed affordability. Courses cost about $40, so we tried to keep our selections within that price range or lower. Lastly, we verified that all of the courses are designed and/or taught by accredited CPR instructors. While you won’t receive a full certification with all of these courses, we made sure you would be informed with all the knowledge you need to safely perform infant CPR.

Doctor practicing infant CPR on training dummies

SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images

By Sarah Bradley
Sarah Bradley is a freelance health and parenting writer who has been published in Parents, the Washington Post, and more.