BABY SAFETY MONTH

All September long, Baby Safety Month highlights the importance of providing babies and families with safe, quality products.

Children are a precious commodity. Parents and caregivers strive to provide the safest environment for children. Putting children’s safety first is a high priority. That not only means protecting them where they live but also protecting them from dangerous products. 

For babies, every room in the home poses safety concerns. The paint on the walls, the temperature of the water, cleaners under the sink all present risk factors. But there are actions parents and caregivers can take to protect babies. These are just a few:

13 Baby Safety Tips

  1. Anchor large pieces of furniture and televisions.
  2. Place gates at the tops and bottoms of stairs.
  3. Cover outlets.
  4. Remove blinds and curtains with long or looped cords.
  5. Install smoke detectors and test twice a year.
  6. Add a fire extinguisher to every level of the home.
  7. Put safety latches on cabinet doors and the toilet.
  8. Check the thermostat on the hot water heater; install a temperature guard.
  9. Remove toys with pieces small enough to swallow. Throw away broken toys.
  10. Test old paint for lead. Have it removed or sealed.
  11. Place bumpers on sharp corners.
  12. Remove poisonous plants.
  13. Complete the registration cards that come with baby furniture, supplies, and toys. If there is a recall, you’ll be notified.

Babies keep parents and caregivers busy, but these are just a few steps to help make their jobs less stressful and keep their small humans safe.

BABY SAFETY MONTH HISTORY

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association founded Baby Safety Month in 1983 as Expectant Mother’s Day. Over the years the celebration has grown into a full month of information, education, and focus on infant safety.

Explore More…

  • National Safe Toys and Gifts Month
  • National Seat Check Saturday
  • National Bath Safety Month

HOW TO OBSERVE #BabySafetyMonth

Visit the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) website for more Baby Safety Tips. Take the time to explore your home and car from a baby’s eye view. Crawl around on the floor and see what your baby sees. You might discover some safety hazards that need immediate attention. 

Make sure your baby is safe and use #BabySafetyMonth to post on social media.

Movie Lists

Curating a movie list is like opening a treasure chest filled with cinematic gems tailored to match the mood and occasion. Whether you’re in the mood for a spooky thrill with Halloween classics or seeking the warmth of love in a romance film, these lists are designed to enhance your viewing experience. From family-friendly adventures that bring everyone together to the timeless allure of musicals and mysteries that keep you guessing, each list captures the essence of its genre or theme, ensuring there’s something for every type of movie lover.

Celebrations and special occasions also get their own spotlight with themed lists for Valentine’s Day, holidays, and patriotic events, among others. Whether you’re a fan of iconic franchises like Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, or James Bond, or you’re gearing up for a dedicated movie night, these lists offer a curated selection that pays homage to the best of cinema. Dive into the cinematic universe of Marvel heroes, enjoy the epic scores on National Filmscore Day, or explore global cinema for a taste of stories from around the world—these movie lists are your guide to unforgettable movie nights and beyond.

Alternating in August

August is a month of transition, marked by a blend of summer’s lingering warmth and the impending arrival of fall. As families prepare for the back-to-school season, August provides a unique opportunity to celebrate a variety of national days that capture the essence of this transitional period. From quirky observances to meaningful commemorations, the month offers a diverse palette of events that encourage reflection, creativity, and enjoyment.

One of the standout features of August is its rich array of national days that highlight different aspects of life. For instance, National Watermelon Day on August 3 invites families to gather and enjoy this refreshing fruit, perfect for summer picnics. It serves as a reminder of the joys of summer, encouraging people to take a moment to appreciate the simple pleasures. Similarly, National Relaxation Day on August 15 prompts individuals to take a break from their busy schedules, emphasizing the importance of self-care and mental well-being.

As August unfolds, the month presents opportunities for community engagement and awareness. National Dog Day on August 26 celebrates our furry companions and raises awareness about the importance of adopting pets from shelters. This day not only honors the bond between humans and dogs but also encourages responsible pet ownership and the significance of animal welfare. Engaging in activities such as dog walks or adoption events can foster community spirit and compassion.

In addition to these celebrations, August is also a time for personal growth and creativity. National Craft Month encourages individuals to explore their artistic sides, whether through painting, knitting, or DIY projects. This observance highlights the therapeutic benefits of crafting, promoting mindfulness and relaxation. By dedicating time to creative pursuits, individuals can find joy in the process of making, which can be particularly fulfilling as summer draws to a close.

Celebrating All August

National Dog Month
Black Business Month
Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
Family Fun Month
Get ready for Kindergarten Month
Happiness Happens Month
International Peace Month
MedicAlert Awareness Month
Motorsports Awareness Month
National Back to School Month
National Brownies at Brunch Month
National Catfish Month
National Crayon Collection Month
National Eye Exam Month
National Goat Cheese Month
National Golf Month
National Hair Loss Awareness Month
National Immunization Awareness Month
National Panini Month
National Sandwich Month
National Water Quality Month
National Wellness Month
Romance Awareness Month
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month                                                                  The Allure of August’s Birthstone: Peridot

August’s traditional birth flowers are the gladiolus (symbolizing strength and sincerity) and the poppy (rest and imagination); the birthstone is peridot, a bright green gem associated with vitality and protection; zodiac signs for August are Leo (July 23–August 22), noted for confidence and warmth, and Virgo (August 23–September 22), known for practicality and attention to detail.

Famous birthdays in August:
– August 4 — Barack Obama 
– August 4 — Meghan Markle 
– August 5 — Neil Armstrong 
– August 6 — Lucille Ball 
– August 7 — Charlize Theron 
– August 9 — Whitney Houston 
– August 11 — Chris Hemsworth 
– August 16 — Madonna 
– August 17 — Robert De Niro 
– August 23 — Kobe Bryant 
– August 29 — Michael Jackson

Ultimately, August’s alternating themes of celebration and reflection create a dynamic atmosphere for individuals and families alike. As the month progresses, it serves as a bridge between the carefree days of summer and the structured routine of fall. By participating in the various national days, people can not only enjoy the present but also prepare for the changes that lie ahead, making August a month of both fun and meaningful experiences.

Celebrating Dad: Father’s Day 2026

Mark your calendars: Father’s Day 2026 falls on Sunday, June 21st. While Mother’s Day had an earlier official start, the journey to honor dads is a fascinating story of determination, love, and a little bit of stubbornness. The modern celebration owes its existence to Sonora Smart Dodd, who was raised by a single father in Washington state. After hearing a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909, she argued that fathers deserved equal recognition. The first official Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, but it took decades—and a push from President Richard Nixon—to finally make it a permanent national holiday in 1972. Unlike the flowers and frills of May, Father’s Day was born from a quiet, rugged appreciation for the men who show up every single day.

The Qualities That Define Great Fathers
What makes a dad truly memorable? While every father is unique, certain timeless qualities rise to the top. First is steadfastness—the ability to be a calm anchor in a stormy world. Great fathers also embody selflessness, often putting their family’s needs quietly ahead of their own, from working late shifts to giving up the last slice of pizza. Another key trait is guidance, not through lectures, but through showing integrity, resilience, and humor in everyday life. Finally, the best dads offer unconditional support; they are the ones in the bleachers, at the graduation, or on the other end of the phone at 2 AM. These qualities don’t require perfection—just presence.

The 14th is the third Sunday in June 2026, plan  a full day for something special. Start with a classic breakfast in bed (or at the kitchen table) featuring his favorites—bacon, pancakes, and strong coffee. Because 2026 is also a World Cup year (the tournament runs through mid-July), consider planning an afternoon viewing party for a match, complete with his preferred snacks and a cold drink. If sports aren’t his thing, organize a no-fuss BBQ or backyard fire pit where the whole family can gather. The key is to remove stress: handle the cooking, cleanup, and logistics so he can simply relax and enjoy the company.

Meaningful Gifts That Go Beyond Another Tie
This year, think about gifts that align with his hobbies or create future memories. For the handyman dad, a customized tool organizer or a high-quality multi-tool is both practical and thoughtful. For the foodie father, a subscription to a gourmet spice or hot sauce club keeps giving long after June 14th. However, the most impactful gifts are often experiences: book a half-day fishing trip, buy tickets to a local car show, or simply give a handwritten letter detailing your favorite memories together. Research shows that experiential gifts and personal notes are remembered far longer than any store-bought gadget.

Don’t Forget the Long-Distance Dad
If you can’t be there in person on June 14, 2026, technology makes distance feel smaller. Schedule a coordinated video call where everyone logs in at the same time for a virtual toast. Consider using a meal delivery service to send his favorite restaurant dinner right to his door, then eat “together” over video. Another creative idea is a digital photo frame you can update remotely with new family pictures throughout the day. Even a simple, well-timed text or voice memo saying “I was thinking of you” can mean the world to a dad who misses you.

Final Thoughts: Celebrating the Everyday Hero
Father’s Day isn’t about grand gestures or expensive presents. It’s about pausing to recognize the man who taught you how to ride a bike, fix a leaky faucet, or laugh at your own mistakes. As you prepare for June 14, 2026, remember that the best celebration mirrors the best fathers: genuine, warm, and a little bit playful. Whether you’re grilling burgers, watching a soccer match, or simply sitting on the porch together, your attention and gratitude are the real gifts. So go ahead—mark your calendar, pick up the phone, and tell him exactly why he matters. He’s earned it.

Share your favorite memory, pictures and more to social media.  Use #Father’sDay to show how much you appreciate him to the world.