There are three new baby-friendly feeding spaces at the Maple Ridge Public Library.
The City of Maple Ridge, in partnership with Fraser Health and with funding through BC Healthy Communities PlanH, is responsible for the new initiative. The new spaces are designed to provide a safe and comfortable environment for families, contributing to positive mental wellness for parents, caregivers, and visitors.
“These new baby-friendly feeding spaces help make our community more welcoming and supportive for families,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “With support from Fraser Health and BC Healthy Communities PlanH, we’re creating comfortable, inclusive spaces for parents and caregivers – and taking an important step toward making all civic facilities more baby-friendly.”
City staff and community facilitators hosted three engagement sessions with parents, community partners, and staff to help shape the design and implementation of the feeding spaces. Families shared that they were looking for:
• Natural lighting and calming colours
• Comfortable, easy-to-clean seating
• A private, quiet, and safe environment
• Welcoming and inclusive signage
• Safe and engaging areas for siblings
The library was selected as a key community hub where families already gather, learn, and connect. Each space includes comfortable seating to support baby feeding, areas designed to safely engage siblings, educational resources to support young families, and welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that reflects community input
City and Fraser Health staff will be conducting an environmental scan of baby-friendly feeding practices within community facilities. This work will inform the development of a public policy related to baby feeding in community spaces, which will be presented to local government for consideration, review, and potential adoption.
For additional information about the Baby-Friendly Feeding initiative, visit MapleRidge.ca/BabyFeedingSpace.