RILEY COUNTY, Kan. (WIBW) – New and expecting parents are invited to the fourth annual Riley County Community Baby Shower at the end of May.
The event is hosted by the Riley County Health Department (RCHD) and will be held rain or shine on May 31st, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Northview Elementary, located at 300 Griffith Drive in Manhattan.
According to a press release from RCHD, the community baby shower is a free event where local organizations and community members come together to support and celebrate new or expecting parents by providing essential information and supplies.
Resources are intended for expecting families or families with infants up to 12 months of age. Families are encouraged to attend together, and children of all ages are welcome.
“This is a great chance for people to connect with local organizations that offer support to families,” said Breva Spencer, RCHD Maternal and Child Health Supervisor.
Safe sleep practices will be the main focus of the Riley County Community Baby Shower. Parents who complete the safe sleep training session at the event will get a safe sleep bundle, including a pack and play, safe sleep sack, and pacifier, while supplies last. The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) program will have certified safe sleep instructors on site, and the safe sleep training, resources, and books will be available in both English and Spanish.
Community partners will also be present with parenting resources and educational materials, along with light snacks, games, and fun.
“Educating the community about safe sleep practices is a priority for the Maternal and Child Health program,” said Spencer. “Based off last year’s Community Baby Shower data, the event was a success as there were statistically significant changes in participants’ intention to sleep their baby on their back after the event. Additionally, there was a higher-than-usual increase in knowledge of local resources for tobacco cessation and breastfeeding. We hope the event will bring education and awareness and decrease sleep-related deaths in Riley County by providing safe sleep bundles to the community.”
Registration is encouraged by calling the health department at 785-776-4779 ext. 7664, or filling out the forms on the Riley County website in English or Spanish.
The Riley County Community Baby Shower is made possible through grants from the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Additional sponsors for the event include: Kansas Infant Death and SIDS Network, Kansas Maternal and Child Health, and WIC.
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