Expectant parents from Hill Air Force Base gathered Nov. 1, for a Bundles for Babies class offered by the Hill Airman & Family Readiness Center. This course, offered numerous times throughout the year, gives expectant parents the opportunity to learn new information about caring for their child, to explore their available resources, and to engage with other couples going through a similar stage of life.
“Bundles for Babies was first launched in 1996 by the Air Force Aid Society in an effort to address the needs of young military parents expecting a child,” said Samuel Child of the A&FRC. “Since then, the Airman & Family Readiness Center at Hill AFB has held a Bundles for Babies class various times per year with the focus of preparing young parents for their future baby. Class topics include budgeting for a new baby, health and nutrition for mother and baby, car seat safety, Shaken Baby Syndrome, Military Family Life Counselor and on-base child-care resources.”
This class not only offers valuable information for parents, it also offers opportunities for them to participate in “hands-on” activities and games. Door prizes are given out, and most importantly, relationships are built with other expectant parents.
“Upon class completion, attendees receive a “bundle” of baby items provided to them courtesy of the Air Force Aid Society,” said Child. “Parents have commented from previous classes that they found the Bundles for Babies course very educational and would recommend the class to family and friends.”
One previous class participant, when interviewed, expressed her genuine excitement for the course and its material: “Oh my goodness. That class was amazing,” said Jennifer Clark, whose husband works in the Air Force Sustainment Center Engineering Office on base. “We took the class because we were first-time parents. The class provided a lot of useful information about car seat safety.”
And in regards to the bundle, she noted: “That bundle was amazing. Sheets. Burp Cloths. Towels. Mittens. A handmade blanket. It was a lot more than I was expecting.”
Bundles for Babies courses will continue to be put on by the A&FRC. The course, and “bundles” are available to all branches of active-duty families that are currently assigned to an Air Force installation.
“AF Reserve and Air National Guard members are eligible if they are on Title 10 orders for more than 15 days,” said Child.
To participate in an upcoming Bundles for Babies class, register by calling the A&FRC at 801-777-4681.
