Riley County
New and expecting parents are invited to the fourth annual Riley County Community Baby Shower on May 31st, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The event is hosted by the Riley County Health Department (RCHD) and will be held rain or shine at Northview Elementary, located at 300 Griffith Drive in Manhattan.
A 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.
“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.
An attendee at the 2024 Community Baby Shower had a positive experience, saying “Thank you all so much for your care and support! It was great!”
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.
“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. Register by calling the health department at 785-776-4779 ext. 7664 or fill out the forms on the Riley County website at www.rileycountyks.gov/health.
Community partners will also be present with parenting resources and educational materials along with light snacks, games, and fun. Families are encouraged to attend together, and children of all ages are welcome.
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.
Find more information about the Community Baby Shower and Maternal and Child Health online at www.RileyCountyKS.gov/health, or by calling (785) 776-4779 ext 7664.
Registration forms in ENGLISH at https://forms.gle/P8wHerpt1LCfjy9L8
Registration forms in SPANISH at https://forms.gle/UmCVnvgcumi9ogYS9
