Classes for Infant Caregivers: Safe Sleep, Car Seats, and CPR

As part of its Access Wellness initiative, Mid-Continent Public Library has teamed up with the Jackson County Health Department to offer free community health programs* for infant and child caregivers this spring. Whether you’re a new or soon-to-be parent, a babysitter, childcare provider, or other type of caregiver, these classes will give you tools to help keep your little ones safe! Below are the upcoming class dates and times as well as program descriptions.

Infant CPR Education – Tuesday, May 3, at 7:00 p.m., Blue Springs South Branch

More than 7,000 children suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest every year—and in the event of a cardiac arrest, survival depends on immediate CPR. Parents and caregivers are among the most important people to be trained in infant CPR and choking relief, which can make a life-or-death difference for infants.

During this Infant CPR Education class, learn about infant CPR and infant choking from the Jackson County Health Department. Class participants will receive an infant CPR anytime kit, which can be taken home to share with other caretakers. Please Note: This is an education class and not a CPR certification class. Register today.

Car Seat Safety – Wednesday, May 18, at 7:00 p.m., North Independence Branch

While the latest research shows that most families in the U.S. put kids in car seats, nearly half of all car seats are installed incorrectly. Car seats are designed to precise specifications to keep children safe, which is why caregivers need to choose the right car or booster seat for their child’s age and size and install and use them correctly every time.

This Car Seat Safety class is taught by certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians and is designed to equip caregivers with the knowledge and skills to choose and correctly install the appropriate seat. Join us to discuss different types of car seats, the proper way to install a car seat, and installation tips. Register today.

Safe Sleep for Infants – Tuesday, June 14, at 6:00 p.m., Raytown Branch

Did you know that unsafe sleep environments are a leading cause of infant death? Soft objects, toys, crib bumpers, or loose bedding in a baby’s sleep area can present hazards to their health—especially among infants ages 1 to 12 months. Babies sleep safest when they are alone, lying on their back, and in a crib.

This Safe Sleep for Infants class is designed to give infant caregivers information and best practices for infant sleep environments. We will discuss what is considered a safe sleep environment, why safe sleep is important, and what participants can do to create an environment for infants to sleep safely. Register today.

Visit mymcpl.org/Wellness to find more health and wellness programs and resources at the Library!

*These programs are supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.