First Aid Training for Newborns in Switzerland: Why It Matters & How Your Swiss Insurance Can Help
As a new or expecting parent, one of the most important things you can do for your baby’s safety is learning basic first aid. From choking and burns to sudden fevers or allergic reactions, knowing how to respond in those crucial first minutes can make all the difference. Thankfully, in Switzerland, there are excellent first aid training courses designed specifically for parents of newborns — and in many cases, your health insurance will cover part of the cost (please check your maternity checklist for this or drop a call to your insurance provider). I can only provide you the link to HELSANA insurance, which can be found here:
Why First Aid Training Is Essential for Parents
- Babies are naturally curious and fragile.
- Emergency situations can happen at home, while traveling, or even during everyday routines.
- First aid training teaches you how to act calmly and effectively — giving peace of mind to both parents.
What Newborn First Aid Training Covers
Typical courses (available across Zurich, Aargau, and other cantons) cover:
- Infant CPR and breathing emergencies
- Choking response techniques
- Recognising fever, seizures, or allergic reactions
- Handling burns, cuts, and falls
- Safe sleep and accident prevention tips
Some courses are offered in English, making them accessible for expat families.
Cost & Insurance Coverage in Switzerland
- Average course cost: CHF 120–180 per person
- Many Swiss health insurance providers reimburse up to CHF 150 per person for baby and child first aid courses.
- Be sure to check with your insurer (e.g. Helsana, CSS, SWICA, Sanitas) to confirm coverage.
- Sometimes midwives or hospitals can provide direct recommendations for reimbursable courses.
Where to Find First Aid Training for Parents
- Samariter Schweiz (Swiss Red Cross partners) – offer certified baby & child first aid courses.
- My Husband took the course in German, which is fully covered by our insurance.
- The Course: https://www.samariter.ch/de/notfaelle-kinder-0-4
- Local hospitals in Zurich and Aargau – often provide parent workshops.
- Private providers like family centers, midwife practices, and English-speaking instructors.
- I am taking the English course with LilyBee because they do cater to expats and English speaking couples/individuals.
- They also provide a separate test at the end of the course for certification (additional 15 minutes)
- The Course: https://www.lilybee.ch/first-aid-cpr-on-babies-and-young-children/
- Community centers sometimes host weekend courses for expat families.
Tips for Parents Before You Book
- Confirm language (German, English, or bilingual options).
- Ask if the course is certified and recognised by your insurance.
- Check if there’s a reimbursement form to submit after attending.
- Consider booking as a couple — both parents learning together doubles the benefit!
Final Thoughts
My husband and I thought it would be best that we don’t go into the arrival of our first child blindly and to understand how to be vigilant in the case of emergencies. Basically, me freaking out before anything happens! Natürlich.
Taking a newborn first aid course is one of the most valuable investments you can make as a parent in Switzerland. Not only will it give you practical skills and confidence, but with insurance often covering up to CHF 150 (depends on you insurer and mostlonly for the German courses), it’s also an affordable step in preparing for family life.
Tip: Call your insurer today to check coverage and sign up for a course near you. Your peace of mind is worth it.
