CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a vital emergency method for manually compressing the heart to maintain blood flow through the body when the heart can't do it, says FamilyDoctor.org. CPR is often needed after accidents, near drownings or other emergencies when advanced medical technology isn't immediately available, states Kids Health. CPR can be performed on infants through the elderly, but proper technique is required to do it correctly and effectively. Learn infant CPR through a variety of avenues to be prepared for emergencies anywhere.
Step 1
Locate a Red Cross or American Heart Association-approved infant CPR instruction class. To be certified in infant CPR, you must take an approved course and show proof of completion. Attend a CPR course in your community. Such classes offer one-on-one or group instruction that lasts from four to seven hours and covers basics such as adult, child and infant CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, how to perform the Heimlich maneuver, and use of automated defibrillators. Find a class near you by contacting your local Chamber of Commerce or Public Health Department, hospital, or Fire/Rescue department to find certified instructors of infant CPR.
Step 2
Contact the American Heart Association at its website about its CPR training kit, "Infant CPR Anytime." The kit, which is available for sale, offers an inflatable baby manikin, a CPR-skills practice DVD, and a quick reference guide. The Infant CPR Anytime kit also offers instruction to help relieve choking in an infant and can be used at home. This program doesn't offer certification in CPR, but offers instruction for those who wish to learn CPR for emergencies. You may also click on the homepage link that says "CPR & ECC" and then click the "Find a CPR Class Near You" link.
Step 3
Learn basics of infant CPR through online resources such as the University of Washington School of Medicine. The basics include printed and video instructions for performing infant CPR. Such steps include shouting and tapping the infant on the shoulder to initiate a response, opening the airway, and giving breaths, followed by heart compressions. The guide tells you where to place your fingers to give chest compressions, how many to give and how hard to press, as well as basics on offering mouth-to-mouth breathing for infants.
