FLORENCE, Ky. — January is National Bath Safety Month, and Every Child Succeeds in partnership with Kentucky Health Access Nurturing Development Services, better known as KY HANDS, is collaborating with Brighton Center to help new parents decrease injury or drowning accidents in the bath. h. 

What You Need To Know

  • January is National Bath Safety Month.

  • Michelle Robbins has helped Hispanic families adjust to life in America as a bilingual family support specialist for 20 years

  • About 87 children die each year from home drownings. Two-thirds of the incidents occurred in the bath

  • Every Child Succeeds and KY HANDS are collaborating with Brighton Center to help new parents care for their babies

Michelle Robbins has helped Hispanic families adjust to life in America as a bilingual family support home visitor for 20 years. On the day Spectrum News 1 met with her, she visited new mom Silvia Tucux and her 1-month-old son Felipe.

Robbins, who has two children of her own, says the best part of her job is helping new parents acclimate to their new role.

She said, “I love working with the Hispanic population because they come here. It’s different. So, they have to like... re-learn how to be a parent."

Robbins says Brighton offers many programs, including, “Bodybuilders,” which are about basic care and good nutrition. They also provide developmental screenings to ensure babies are growing on target. 

But Robbins says one lesson is critical.

“Water safety and making sure that the baby does not fall or move or, you know, hurt. So, we always recommend putting a hand on the baby. And I was just telling her that you want to make sure you have everything close by, so the baby’s never left alone."

According to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance it is estimated 87 children die every year from drownings at home. Two-thirds of these incidents occurred in the bath. Mom, Silvia, says this program has brought much joy to her life.

Silvia said, “Yes, they have thoroughly explained how to care for my baby and how I can care for myself. And yes, it has helped me very much. When they visit me, I feel a company helps me not feel stress. I feel calmer. And I don’t feel frustrated either.”

Robbins says working with so many parents has taught her one thing.

“At the end of the day, you know, we all want to be the best parents,” she remarked. 

Thanks to Michelle Robbin’s new parents can enjoy parenthood and keep their babies safe.

If you are an expecting parent and think you may still have a few more questions, Brighton Center is currently enrolling parents.

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