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Community Baby Shower Returns for Third Year

Free event offers safe sleep education and portable cribs to new, expecting families

Molli Fawl

13 Oct 2025 • 2 min read

Photo Credit MCCF

McPHERSON — New and expecting parents are invited to attend the McPherson County Community Baby Shower from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, October 25, at Eisenhower Elementary School. The free event is open to the public.

Now in its third year, the Community Baby Shower provides families with education on safe practices for raising infants, with a primary focus on promoting safe sleep habits for newborns. The event is part of the KIDS Network Safe Sleep initiative.

Families who attend will receive a portable crib that meets Safe Sleep standards and is designed for infants 9 months old or younger. KIDS Network Safe Sleep funds the cribs, and organizers expect to have up to 30 available for this year's event.

Since the program began in 2023, the McPherson County Health Department has distributed more than 40 cribs to local families.

Sierra Behrens, an LPN with MCHD, said the initiative was introduced to McPherson after proving successful in neighboring counties. The Local Interagency Coordination Council first learned about the concept from a Harvey County representative.

Partnering organizations include the McPherson Police Department, GraceMed, McPherson Public Library, Prairie View, McKids, and Infant Toddler Services of Kansas. Partners will share information and provide services during the interactive gathering.