Children 0-5

Our Programs

Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts provide two programs for expectant parents: a safe sleep class and a car seat class, in which upon completion, they will receive a pack-n-play and car seat, respectively.

For residents of Newport News, Poquoson, James City County, Williamsburg, or York County, call (757) 594-7426 for more information.

For residents of the City of Hampton, call (757) 727-1172, ext. 21736 for more information. Applications are also available to fill out at the front desk at the Hampton Health Department.

For information on childhood immunizations, please see our Clinic Services page.

Car Seat Program

This program is offered free of charge to eligible families statewide. Spanish classes are scheduled once a month by appointment. Each participant has hands on training for proper installation of a convertible or booster car seat, which is provided free of charge (one per child) upon class completion.**

**Due to COVID-19, hand-on training is currently not permitted.

To qualify for a free child safety seat, the applicant must be:

  • A resident of Virginia and either the Hampton or Peninsula Health District.
    • Medicaid, WIC, or FAMIS eligible or meet program income eligibility guidelines. Military applicants must meet income guidelines (or have another form of eligibility), they must also show a bill which indicates proof of address within the Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts.
    • A parent, legal guardian, or foster parent of the child (proof required – court documentation, etc.).
    • Applying for a newborn who weighs 5 pounds or more or for a child seven years old or younger (as long as the child’s height and weight the program’s safety seat manufacturer guidelines).  Applications prior to an infant’s birth are accepted during the last trimester of pregnancy (months 7–9).  Twins require doctor’s note on prescription pad/letterhead or ultrasound with name and date imprinted on the picture border, otherwise only one (1) seat will be issued.
  • Must attend a safety seat installation and use class.
  • Sign a waiver of liability release form.

For more information:
VDH’s Division of Injury and Violence Prevention
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Injury Prevention

Pack-N-Play Program

This program is offered free of charge to eligible families in the Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts. At the Peninsula Health Department, classes are usually scheduled after the car seat safety class, and clients will be asked if they want to also take the safe sleep class after the car seat class. At the Hampton Health Department, Safe Sleep classes are held separately from the car seat classes for applicants in need of a crib.

Safe Sleep pack-n-play classes are also available for eligible families with Newport News Healthy Families and Williamsburg Child Development Resources.

To qualify for a free pack-n-play, the applicant must be:

  • A resident of Virginia and either the Hampton or Peninsula Health District.
    • Medicaid, WIC, or FAMIS eligible or meet program income eligibility guidelines. Military applicants must meet income guidelines (or have another form of eligibility), they must also show a bill which indicates proof of address within the Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts.
    • A parent, legal guardian, or foster parent of the child (proof required – court documentation, etc.).
    • Applying during the last trimester of pregnancy or for a newborn less than 6 months old.
  • Must attend a safe to sleep class and sign all appropriate documents.

Resources for Parents

TEXT4BABY- text4baby.org

text4babylogo

If you are pregnant or a new mom, there is an exciting program where you can receive FREE text messages on your cell phone to help you during the pregnancy and the baby’s first year.  Remember, it is FREE!

Text BABY to 511411
Envia BEBE al 511411

 

After you deliver your baby:

  • Keep your six-week appointment.
  • Take your baby to the pediatrician or family doctor.
  • Get your baby immunized according to the Virginia Immunization Schedule.
  • Take care of yourself and your baby.
  • Remember proper diet and nutrition for yourself and your baby.
  • Remember the ABC’s of Safe Sleep.
  • Find out if you and your baby are eligible for WIC -- The Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, & Children

For more information…

Virginia Department of Health, Office of Family Health Services – Specific programs provide leadership, expertise and resources for statewide efforts to support women to have healthy pregnancies and to give children a healthy start in life.   

March of Dimes – March of Dimes is a national nonprofit health organization working to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. 

First Candle – First Candle is a national nonprofit health organization working to advance infant health and survival with a special focus on the prevention of stillbirth, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other causes of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID).

National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome – The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome is a national nonprofit health organization working to educate and train parents and professionals, and to conduct research that will prevent the shaking and abuse of infants in the United States.

Shaken Baby Syndrome of Virginia – This Virginia-based nonprofit organization was behind House Bill 411 (Jared’s Law), which requires the Virginia Department of Social Services to make available information about shaken baby syndrome, its effects, and resources for help and support for caretakers.

Last Updated: August 13, 2024