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Baby Expo for New and Expecting Families!

Saturday, April 18, 2026 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Roosevelt Middle School, 2500 Oak Street, Bellwood IL 60104

Car Seat Safety!

We are thrilled to announce that the Bellwood Fire Department will be at the Baby Expo providing personalized car seat safety checks and demonstrations to families.

The Buckle Up Program through Lurie Children’s Hospital will give a car seat safety workshop and eligible attendees will have the opportunity to purchase a car seat at a discounted price!

Stoller Parking and Nursing/Pumping Area

When we say the whole family is welcome, we mean it! Stroller parking will be available and we will provide a designated private area for anyone who needs a pumping or nursing break to use.

About the Baby Expo

New and expecting families are invited to the Baby Expo on Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Roosevelt Middle School in Bellwood, located at 2500 Oak Street, Bellwood, 60104. This is a FREE event and will include a resource fair and a schedule of short workshops that you are invited to attend if they interest you.

All parents and caregivers who are expecting or have a child under the age of one and their families are welcome!

The purpose of the Baby Expo is to provide resources to help you meet your knowledge and health needs as a caregiver of a new baby (or soon to be one!) It will include local organizations, park districts, and libraries. You will be able to get connected to information on parent support, mental health, physical health, early intervention and child development, recreation, and food and nutrition. All resources will be focused on expectant families and families with children 0 – 12 months. 

There will be a resource fair in the school gymnasium where you can talk to over 30 organizations and “ask an expert,” workshops in wing C classrooms, and snacks and inspiring activities in the cafeteria. There will also be lots of giveaways and a raffle prize, too! 

Please note that photos will be taken at this event. If you would like to opt out, please speak to a Collaboration for Early Childhood staff member when you arrive and we will make the necessary accommodations. You can review our photo policy here.

Parking Details

Workshop Schedule

Drop in for a workshop on a topic of interest to you!

  • 10:15-11:00 am – Cloth Diapers 101 – This hands-on workshop teaches parents and caregivers about the benefits of using cloth diapers, how to use and wash them, and strategies to use cloth diapers as a supplement or backup to disposable diapers. Each participant will receive a free cloth diaper bundle! (while supplies last). Presented by Gifts from Liam.
  • 10:15 – 11:00 am – Mindfulness in Action with Babies Featuring The Nurture Method – Mindfulness in Action with Babies introduces The Nurture Method—science-backed, practical tools for bringing connection, calm, and mindfulness into everyday parenting moments. The session includes breathing practices, simple mommy-and-baby yoga, mindful storytime, and guided affirmations to support presence with your little one. Presented by Lindsay Ambrose.
  • 10:15 – 11:00 am – Infant CPR and Responding to a Choking Infant – This workshop with demonstrate how to respond to a choking infant and how to perform infant CPR with attendee participation. Presented by Alvin Hargrove of LifeSafety365.
  • 10:30 – 11:00 – Car Seat Safety Education Workshop – (also offered from 12:00-12:30 pm) In this presentation we will cover selecting the right car seat and go through the car seat installation steps. We will learn about the importance of checking the car seat for recalls and expiration. Address any questions or concerns the families or caregivers may have, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommendations and the Illinois State Laws. We will also talk the Medicaid insurance companies that provide free seats to their members as well as our low-cost car seat program. Presented by Catalina Zamora of Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Buckle Up Program.
  • 12:00 – 12:30 pm – Discover Infant Massage – Discover how simple, loving touch can support your baby’s development, ease discomfort. and deepen your connection. A gentle introduction to infant massage for expectants and new parents presented by Heloise Stauff of Snuggly Start.
  • 12:00-12:45 pm – FIT4MOM: Strong and Supported Pre and Postnatal Fitness – Join FIT4MOM for a pre- and postnatal safe workout designed to help you feel strong, supported, and connected to your body through every stage of motherhood. This class blends low-impact cardio, functional strength, and gentle core work with a focus on breath and mind-body connection so you leave feeling energized, confident, and empowered. (To participate you’ll be asked to sign a waiver). Presented by Fit4MOM.
  • 12:00 – 12:30 pm – How to Preserve Your Relationship When A Baby Enters the Picture – Learn validation, communication and coping skills for couples as they navigate bringing home a baby (whether it’s their first, or third child!) Presented by Elle Murphy.
  • 12:00 – 12:30 pm – Car Seat Safety Education Workshop – In this presentation we will cover selecting the right car seat and go through the car seat installation steps. We will learn about the importance of checking the car seat for recalls and expiration. Address any questions or concerns the families or caregivers may have, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommendations and the Illinois State Laws. We will also talk the Medicaid insurance companies that provide free seats to their members as well as our low-cost car seat program. Presented by Catalina Zamora of Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Buckle Up Program.

Here Are the Partners Who Will Be at the Baby Expo

Thank you to our Event Activity Sponsors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the event accessible?

Yes, there are no steps to access the event. Parking and entrance to the Baby Expo are on the west side of the school in the back. There will be spaces for nursing/pumping and for stroller parking. If you have additional accommodations that you have questions about, please feel free to reach out to us at health@collab4kids.org. Also, if you need language interpretation/translation or support, please let us know. We will coordinate support for you.

Is the event free?

Yes. The event is completely free, and there will be all sorts of giveaways provided by our partners. If you come early enough, you may even be able to nab one of the 100 sleep sacks that SIDS Illinois will be giving out! 

Why are you hosting this event?

Because we are an organization that is committed to giving you and your child the strongest possible start. We know that when you become a parent or caregiver, there are a lot of things that you don’t even know that you don’t know! You’re not alone on your caregiving journey.

This event is meant to make you aware of the amazing community resources that are available to you. 

Other baby-related events and expos are not free and lots of for-profit companies try to sell you things. It may be hard to believe but it’s not big business to have a baby. We don’t want to sell you stuff. We just want to make sure you have what you need to thrive as a family. 

Can I bring my kids/partner/co-parent/friend?

Yes. It takes a village to raise a child, so the whole village is also invited to learn about these community resources.

I am expecting, but this is not my first child. Can I still come?

Yes. This event is for you, too! Your other kiddos are welcome, too.