PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --
Cribs, diapers, finding extra space and the sound of constant crying at night are only a few things new parents need to consider when bringing a baby into the family. These and many other issues can be overwhelming, even confusing for first-time parents.
Air Force Aid at Peterson Air Force Base reached out to new parents, helping them prepare for changes accompanying the addition of new family members. Bundles for Babies, a quarterly class offered at the Airman & Family Readiness Center, was held August 18, 2016.
“It’s set up like a baby shower,” said Erica Rosenberg, Air Force Aid Officer with A&FRC. “There were raffles and giveaways in between briefings.”
One of the giveaways applied to all attendees: a $50 Army and Air Force Exchange Service gift card. Attendees also received a tote with items like hand-crocheted blankets and pink, or blue, stuffed bears with a recorder inside for creating messages to newborns.
The class featured briefings from car seat safety, dental, the child development center and Air Force Aid representatives, Rosenberg said. Representatives of healthcare and nursing provided briefings on topics like avoiding birth defects and shaken baby syndrome.
In the midst of all the other topics, the one receiving the greatest attention was finances. She said the brief helps parents get ready to financially plan to raise a child.
Considering all the briefings, resources and handouts, there is a great deal of help available in the classes. One of the biggest benefits to families is the networking potential, said Rosenberg.
“Families have the opportunity to meet other people in the same situation,” she said. “They can network and maybe make playdates and things like that.”
Bundles for Babies is open to all active duty Airmen and their spouses. Reservists and members of the Air National Guard may attend if they are activated on Title 10 orders for longer than 15 days. The next session will be held November 10, 2016.
For more information call 719-556-6141.