Becoming a parent can be an entirely overwhelming transformation.  Most expecting parents spend so much time reading books, reading blogs, and seeking tips from others on what to expect and how best to be prepared for their new bundle of joy.  With so much information out in the world on how to prepare, it is easy to become overwhelmed and stressed out about all of the different tips for preparation.  We have come up with the three most important things that we think would most benefit an expecting family.  

Obtaining a CPR/AED and First Aid certification for infants, children, and adults is hands down the most important information and preparation tactic that we can name for expecting parents.  In this one-day, four-hour certification course, participants learn adult, child, and infant CPR.  In the event of an emergency where your newborn baby was unresponsive, this class gives the step-by-step knowledge of how to quickly spring into action.  Included in this course is the information on how to respond to infant choking, as well as many different first-aid related injuries.  Upon completion of this course, new parents can have a new sense of security and comfort in the event of an emergency related to their new child.  Premier Health and Safety offers many different courses in the Orange County area.  Premier Swim Academy will soon be offering the same courses inside our classroom! Stay tuned for more information on that in the very near future! If you are outside of Orange County or Rancho Cucamonga, visit the American Red Cross website to find a class near you.  

The benefits of infant swim lessons are another aspect of parenthood that we feel is extremely important.  Most parents wait until their children are between the ages of two and four to enroll them in swim lessons.  It is actually much more beneficial to start younger.  Children spend nine months in the womb, which is essentially composed of water.  Starting your child in swim lessons between the ages of four to eight months is actually extremely smart.  Babies are comfortable in the water at a very young age, after spending so much time in the womb.  Infant swim lessons provide incredible developmental leaps that land activities limit.  Babies are able to learn how to move their legs, hold their breath, and float on their back, all before the age of one.  Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in the world, so starting young ensures that water safety can be obtained sooner and that the fear of the water can be eliminated by the time your baby is a toddler.  

Last, but certainly not least, please know that there is no such thing as perfect parenting.  Becoming a parent is full of ups and downs, triumphs and fails.  There will be times where you will feel defeated and discouraged, but the beauty of parenting is the blessing that is your little bundle of joy.  Cherish each milestone and know that there is no rule book in parenting, as long as you are giving your child unconditional love. 

With these tips, we hope that expecting families can feel somewhat at ease.  Sign up for a CPR certification course on Premier Health and Safety and check out our infant swim lesson programs here.  Happy parenting!