A community baby shower in Cowley County connected 49 families with local services and baby supplies while also boosting awareness of safe sleep practices for newborns.
The 2026 Cowley County Community Baby Shower, themed “A New Chapter Begins,” drew 131 participants March 28, according to information from the Cowley County Early Childhood Collaborative and the Legacy Regional Community Foundation.
The event brought together 25 local agencies offering health care, education and social service resources for families with young children.
A centerpiece of the event was a safe sleep demonstration, after which participants reported greater confidence in safe sleep practices. Organizers said 34 Cribettes were distributed to families in need. Of those recipients, seven said they would not otherwise have had access to a clean, undamaged and smoke-free crib. Continue below ad.
“This event is designed to wrap families in community, and this year’s turnout showed just how much that support matters,” said Emilee Wilke, chairperson of the Cowley County Early Childhood Collaborative.
One parent who attended said the event helped the family connect with important resources.
“I’m excited now that we have a primary care provider for our newborn,” the parent said. “We’re excited about Parents as Teachers, too, to help our daughter with her development skills so she can be prepared for school.”
Organizers said participants indicated they planned to follow up with services including WIC, lactation consultants, REACH Infant Services, mental health support and USD 470 Head Start.
The event was planned by a 10-agency committee. Becky Reid of Cowley County Extension reported strong engagement throughout the morning, including 80 unique contacts at her booth.
“Participants left with a variety of free baby care items as well as resource-based information,” Wilke said. “Almost all surveyed participants indicated they were ‘very satisfied’ with the experience.”
The Cowley County Early Childhood Collaborative said it will continue working to connect families with support and services aimed at helping children get a healthy start.
