Get schooled on everything from childbirth and delivery to effectively parenting a toddler. Here are a few local hospitals and organizations that provide classes to wide-eyed new parents.

Baptist Health Baptist Health offers many classes for expectant or new parents and their extended family members. Babysafe CPR also discusses baby proofing, accident safety and car seats; while Friends and Family CPR trains grandparents, babysitters and others on important emergency techniques for choking and rescue breathing. Big Brother/Big Sister classes prepare older children for their new sibling’s arrival. And, of course, moms and dads can get ready for the new baby with childbirthing, breastfeeding and newborn care courses.

The Center for Effective Parenting at Arkansas Children’s Hospital is a collaborative program from the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) helps parents learn skills and attitudes toward effective parenting. A free workshop for new parents, called “Preparing for Parenthood Seminar: What to Do After the Baby Arrives” will be held Dec. 2, and will focus on infant development, infant temperament, preventing sleep and feeding problems, and preventing injury. Upcoming seminars address parenting issues related to toddlers and preschoolers, as well as 6-12-year-olds (Nov. 18). Classes are free, but participants must register in advance.

The Centers for Youth & Families is a local organization which provides prevention, intervention and treatment services for a wide variety of families. They also offer a three-week child development course for expectant parents and parents of children up to age three.

In the Prepared Childbirth class at CHI St. Vincent, new moms and dads can prepare for labor and delivery, and learn about postpartum comfort for mom and newborn care. Bathing, sleeping, safety, CPR and development are discussed in the Infant Care class, and a sibling class helps big brothers and sisters get ready for the new baby. The hospital also offers a free breastfeeding course to those delivering at St. Vincent.

Experienced educators at Conway Regional Health System lead classes on childbirth—which discusses the anatomy of pregnancy, stages of labor, different laboring positions, the postpartum period and a few breastfeeding tips. Additional classes are also available for breastfeeding, baby care basics, and infant CPR for family and friends.

And Saline Memorial Hospital's Labor and Delivery Department offers free prenatal classes for patients delivering at its hospital. This class discusses what to expect during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and what to expect during delivery. Participants will also discuss what to bring to the hospital and transitioning after delivery. Parents will also be given a tour of the Saline Memorial Hospital Labor and Delivery Department. Classes are offered once per month, and upcoming dates include Nov. 11 & Dec. 9.