Department of Homeless Services311Search all NYC.gov websites
Child Health and Safety
Caring for a young child can be hard at any time, and it can become even harder when experiencing homelessness. Besides constantly caring for your child, there is a lot of new information to learn. This page has useful information for parents on infant and child safety that you can use whether you are living in a temporary shelter or are in your own home.
Click a topic, or press the enter key on a topic, to reveal its answer.
Safe Sleep
All babies under 12 months old are at risk of sleep-related injury death, and babies between 1 and 4 months old are at the greatest risk. Sleep-related injury death is usually caused by a child sleeping somewhere unsafe, or with loose blankets or other items in their bed, and suffocating.
Follow the A-B-Cs of Safe Sleep for Infants:
- Alone, with no toys or blankets
- on their Back
- in a Crib or pack n' play
Check out the resources below to learn more about safe sleep:
DHS Infant Health & Safety Advisory
Safe Sleep Frequently Asked Questions
Information on safe sleep practices from NYC DOHMH
Additional Resources for Families
Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant? Early and consistent prenatal care is essential for ensuring the health and well-being of you and your baby.
Learn what you can do to take care of yourself and your baby before they are born from the NYC Department of Health.
General information on infant safety
Includes important information about safe sleep, child-proofing your home, preventing exposure to lead, and more.
Bathtime Safety
How to keep your child safe during bathtime. Includes information about how often to bathe your baby and useful how-to's.
Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS)
How to prevent serious injury to your baby. Includes helpful information about what you can do to calm your baby when they won't be soothed and you're getting frustrated.
Resources for Shelter Providers
Find a primary care clinic near you, conveniently organized by NYC neighborhood
Help connect first-time moms-to-be, who are less than 28 weeks pregnant, with their own nurse who offers care and support through the NYC Nurse-Family Partnership Program and flyer.
Connect expecting moms to important prenatal care. Find an OBGYN or Nearby Health Clinic using two verified provider locators:
Health Care Services & Centers For Unhoused People | YourPeer
Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome: A Guide for Health Departments and Community Based Organizations. Learn about Shaken Baby Syndrome, common triggers, recognizing the signs, and how to prevent it.
Doctor Visits
Keep your child healthy with regular checkups from a doctor. They can help you track your child's growth, detect potential problems early, and give your child the vaccines they need to prevent serious illnesses. It's your child's first step to a healthy life!
Below are resources to learn more about routine checkups and other ways to keep your child healthy.
Resources for Families
Access the schedule of well-child visits, learn the benefits of well-child visits for you and your child, and more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics. AAP Schedule of Well-Child Care Visits - HealthyChildren.org
Every child is different, but there are a number of typical milestones to look out for. Learn what to expect as your child grows, and know the signs that you should speak with your doctor using these milestone guides (2 months to 5 years)
Concerns about your child? Use these tips for speaking with your doctor and getting extra support in English and Spanish
Find out more about the CDC's recommended vaccination schedule and learn the benefits of following it. Reasons to Follow CDC's Immunization Schedule | CDC
Most vaccinations are safe during pregnancy and can provide protection for you and your baby even after birth. Find out more about what vaccines are recommended while you are pregnant from the CDC.
Planning a visit to the doctor? Check out this kid-friendly informational guide from Sesame Street about what to expect. Contains plenty of useful information for caregivers too!
Hygiene and Respiratory Viruses Prevention | Respiratory Illnesses | CDC
Resources for Finding Health Care and Health Insurance
Need health insurance for you or your family? Explore low-cost or free health-care options and get help enrolling in a plan that is right for you.
NYC Health + Hospitals Healthy Steps Program provides enhanced pediatric primary care. Call 844-692-4692 to make an appointment at one of their facilities or make an appointment online
Learn more:
Connect caregivers to important pediatric care. Find a nearby Health Clinic using two verified provider locators:
Health Care Services & Centers For Unhoused People | YourPeer
Homeless Healthcare Resources | Healthcare Map