September is here, and with it comes crisp mornings and the first hints of fall. We’ve gathered parenting tips in honor of Baby Safety Month and back-to-school, along with seasonal events, to help your family make the most of the month.

Essential Baby Safety Tips in honor of Baby Safety Month

September is Baby Safety Month! Research shows that the more aware we are of dangers and the more steps we take to reduce risk, the less likely our children are to get hurt. There are so many important things to learn about baby safety - as an example:

You may know:

The ABC's of Safe Sleep: Babies should sleep alone, on their back, in a crib or bassinet without bumper pads, blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals.

You may not know:

Feeding tools are not sleeping tools. Boppys or other nursing pillows can block a baby’s airway and are not safe for sleep. (source: Cuyahoga County Board of Health)

To read our list of Essential Tips for Parents on Baby Safety, head to this article.

You're invited our indoor trick or treating event featuring treats from Bright Beginnings and other community organizations. Costumes are highly encouraged! If you have extra costumes to share, bring them along to help other families who may need one. Reserve your spot now, as this event will fill quickly!

A Full Fall of Fatherhood Fun

Dads, September is the perfect month for creating memories with your child! Here are three silly and special days to celebrate together:

Tailgate Time (Family Style): Even if you’re not headed to a game, grill hot dogs in the driveway, toss a football, and teach your kids a cheer for their favorite team.

Talk Like a Pirate Day (Sept 19): Go all in with eye patches, silly accents, and treasure maps around the house. Make it a memory that’ll stick.

Dads & Donuts Morning: Surprise your kid with a quick donut run before school. Just 15 minutes of conversation and a tiny treat can make their whole day feel extra special. 

Bedtime battles? Join us for a free Triple P bedtime workshop to learn simple strategies that make nights calmer and mornings easier. Head to the Triple P page to learn more.

Cleveland Housing Court's Resource Clinic

• 📅Thursday, September 4: 5:30pm-7:30pm
• 📌 OneHope NEO, 3202 Fulton Road, Cleveland, OH, 44109
• Free and open to the public - get connected to local resources

Marshall Avenue Back to School Safety Fair Block Party

• 📅Saturday, September 6: Noon-6pm
• 📌 9107 Marshall Avenue 
• A free block party, safety event and a back-to-school event wrapped into one!

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio Raiz Community Baby Shower

• 📅Tuesday, September 9: 6pm-8pm
• 📌 Via Sana, 3335 W 25th Street, Cleveland, OH 44109
• A special, free event designed just for expectant moms & families - receive valuable resources, learn about essential services, and collect baby items. Register to secure your free baby basket!

MomsFirst Community Baby Shower

• 📅Saturday, September 20: 11am-2pm
• 📌 Friendly Inn Settlement House, 2386 Unwin Road, Cleveland, OH 44104
• Enjoy food, raffles, resources, and giveaways, all in celebration of moms, babies, and families!