LIVERMORE — Baby Bags provided by Advocates For Children are being offered at the Town Office to first-time parents, Town Clerk Renda Guild told selectpersons at their meeting Tuesday night.

“These bags are amazing, especially for first-time parents,” she said. “The information provided helps them overcome their sense of fear or uncertainty,” Guild said.

Each bag contains a hat, a book, a personalized card and an afghan or quilt. There is a hotline sticker to post on a refrigerator and lots of useful information for parents who may be overwhelmed or unsure of what to do, Guild said. There are tips on how to stop a baby from crying, plus fact sheets on head trauma and shaken baby syndrome, she said.

Links for websites that can help first-time parents, a growth chart and medication and vaccination guidelines are also provided, along with a form parents can complete and return for additional information or assistance.

Advocates For Children is a community-based organization “that firmly believes in fostering the healthy growth and development of children and families in Androscoggin County,” according to its website. “AFC serves as a comprehensive resource for parents of children of all ages — answering questions, providing programs, workshops and classes.”

Guild said Livermore was one of only a few area towns interested in participating in the program.

“Livermore is a small town,” she said. “It takes pride in reaching out to help residents. I’m excited to have this program in our town.”

pharnden@sunmediagroup.net

Baby Bags, provided by Advocates For Children in Lewiston to help first-time parents are available at the Livermore Town Office for free. Each bag includes a quilt, a hat, a book, a growth chart and other useful information. (Submitted photo)