Maternal & Child Health

This program is offered free of charge to eligible families statewide! Each participant completes a hybrid program featuring online education on car seat safety and in-person installation/pick-ups. Participants will receive a convertible or booster car seat free of charge upon class completion (one per child) 

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

• A resident of the Hampton or Peninsula Health District. 

• Medicaid, WIC, or FAMIS eligible or meet program income eligibility guidelines. 
• Applicants must be at least 28 weeks/7 months pregnant.

• 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 (Child’s height and weight must meet 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. 

• Sign a waiver of liability release form. 

• Only the applicant is permitted to pick up the car seat and/or booster seat. 

For more information: 

VDH’s Division of Injury and Violence Prevention 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Injury Prevention 

This program offers education for infant safe sleep practices used to help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Classes are open to pregnant and postpartum individuals and their families. All classes are held in person! 

Clientele who meet the following eligibility requirements can qualify to receive a free pack-n-play following class completion (one per child) 

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

• A resident of 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.). 

• Applicants must be at least 28 weeks/7 months pregnant or have a child less than 6 months old.

• Must not have a safe space for baby to sleep (crib, bassinet, pack-n-play, etc.)  

• Must attend a safe to sleep class and sign all appropriate documents. 

This program offers education surrounding perinatal/postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Classes cover common symptoms, coping mechanisms, and how to support yourself or loved ones during the postpartum period. Classes are open to pregnant and postpartum individuals and their families. All classes are held in person!

Contact: hphd.mch@vdh.virginia.gov or (757) 594-7748 for more information.

Our Baby Care home visiting program provides prenatal and postpartum support through in-home visits with a Registered Nurse. The program is designed to promote healthy pregnancies, safe infant care, and positive early child development.

We provide the following services:

• Prenatal education and pregnancy support
• Childbirth education
• Education about breastfeeding and nutrition
• Postpartum health and recovery support
• Newborn and infant development education
• Connection to community resources
• Car seat and safe sleep education

For more information about the Baby Care program or to assess eligibilty, contact: HPHDBabyCare@vdh.virginia.gov or (757) 594-7427.

Before you deliver your baby: 

• Find out if you and your baby are eligible for WIC -- The Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, & Children  

• Learn about proper diet or nutrition for yourself and your baby. 

• Learn about the ABCs of safe sleep  

• Install your car seat properly  

After you deliver your baby: 

• Attend your postpartum appointment (6 or 12 weeks after birth). 

• Take your baby to the pediatrician or family doctor following delivery for newborn checkups.  

• Get your baby immunized according to the Virginia Immunization Schedule. 

• Follow the recommended safe sleep practices.  

• Practice Car Seat Safety. Every ride, every time.  

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.