Safe Sleep Baby Shower

Interview with Melissa Herrera, Program Coordinator

Newaygo County Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect

Melissa, what is the Safe Sleep Baby Shower that is happening on September 30th?

Newaygo County Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect is part of a State of Michigan “Safe Sleep” initiative to prevent infant deaths by helping new parents learn about the safe way to put their baby to sleep each night.

We got creative and decided to create an annual baby shower for new and expecting Moms (and Dads). Who doesn’t like prizes and gifts?!

The Safe Sleep Baby Shower happens on September 30th from 11 am to 1 pm at the Rotary Park Pavilion in White Cloud. It is free to the public. Lunch is included.

We partner with a variety of community agencies and organizations to join us and each brings give-away prizes for the new parents. We also provide gift baskets full of baby-related items - we held a couple of diaper drives to collect diapers and wipes and each family will get some.

Agencies and organizations include Great Start, WIC, Insight Pregnancy Services, Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial (infant nutritionist, risks of smoking and vaping while pregnant and in the home, lactation consultant), Arbor Circle and more.

We know that babies can keep parents up all night and it is tempting to bring babies to bed instead of getting up. One baby dies every three days due to unsafe practices and we want Newaygo County parents to know that cribs save lives as well as other safe practices.

Parents are reminded that in this time of COVID-19, we will be asking everyone to wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines.

How can a parent or family sign up for the Safe Sleep Baby Shower?

Call 231-689-5220.

What does the Newaygo County Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect do?

The mission of our organization is to help prevent child abuse and neglect through education, child advocacy, direct service programs and collaborative projects.

We do this through three main programs - Kids Have Rights, Safe Kids/Safe Sleep, and our Summer Program

Kids Have Rights

We work collaboratively with area elementary schools to present body safety lessons that are engaging, child-centered and age appropriate.

Safe Kids / Safe Sleep

We promote car seat safety, information about poisons, bike safety, fire and water safety, personal safety (including internet) and more. Reducing infant deaths due to unsafe sleep is a critical initiative in Michigan and a crucial component to our prevention work.T

Summer Magic Program

Our summer program this summer was turned upside down due to COVID-19. We worked with many wonderful community partners and offered fun boxes of activities to families. We spent the summer going door-to-door delivering these boxes full of fun and community resources.

We want parents to know that we are there for them and they are not alone. There are so many resources available to them in the area!

For more information about the Newaygo County Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect visit their website.

Anyone can report child abuse and neglect by calling 1-855-444-3911.