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Expectant mothers and parents of infants up to six months old are invited to attend the Infant Safety & Wellness Fair on Apr. 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wendell Mitchell Conference Center of Lurleen B. Wallace Community College. The event will provide education on safe sleep practices and other critical infant safety measures.

“In 2023, a collaboration between Children’s of Alabama and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Extension) was developed to address risk factors for sleep-related and other childhood injuries,” said Laura H. Downey, associate dean for Extension and assistant director for human sciences Extension programs. “Through this collaboration, Extension provides safe sleep education and equipment to families in Alabama counties with the highest infant mortality rates.”

The fair will feature discussions on various safety topics, including shaken baby syndrome, breastfeeding and car seat safety. Attendees will receive free sleep sacks, books and educational materials to support their learning.

“It helps to bring new and expectant parents together — people who may be going through similar life events,” said Extension Agent Alexia Mingo Simmons. “We may do car seats, infant CPR, breastfeeding or safe sleep. It’s all based on the county’s needs and available resources.”

Butler County Extension Coordinator Sharlean Briggs emphasized the event’s role in connecting families with crucial support systems. 

“We’re trying to help expectant mothers or mothers of infants to learn safe sleep habits, but it’s more than just sleep,” Briggs said. “We’ll cover things like shaken baby syndrome, breastfeeding, car seat safety and provide resources such as the sleep sacks. It also serves to connect us with moms for ‘The Today’s Mom’ program’… a nutrition program for expectant mothers.”

Parents and guardians interested in attending can RSVP by calling the Butler County Extension Office at (334) 382-5111.