Infant and Children's Health
Health is about more than not being sick. Kids thrive when they have regular healthcare and dental care, good school programs, excellent childcare, healthy food and healthy activities.
Sonoma County Maternal Child and Adolescent Health is dedicated to promoting physical, social, and emotional health and well-being for pregnant persons, children, adolescents, and their families through information, education, and resources. We are committed to inclusion, diversity, and anti-racist values. All community members are welcome and safe to use our services.
Newborn Checklist
Birth certificate, check. Medi-Cal, check. Kisses, check.
Breastfeeding
Sonoma County is a breastfeeding friendly community.
- Local resources for breastfeeding support
- La Leche League virtual support
- Sonoma County Breastfeeding Coalition
- Go to our Breast/chestfeeding page to learn more about breastfeeding rights and resources
Vaccinations
Childhood immunizations protect kids from many dangerous diseases.
- Learn more about the recommended vaccinations for kids from birth to age 6 in English and in Spanish. Learn more about vaccinations for kids ages 7-18 in English and in Spanish.
- KidsHealth has information about childhood vaccinations in English and Spanish, and even helps you comfort a baby during shots!
- Questions about COVID vaccines for kids 6 months & older? HealthyChildren.org has the answers you are looking for from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Worried about the cost of vaccinations? The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program can help!
Dental Health
Kids should have their first dental visit around 6 months of age, and every 6 months after that!
Healthy Food
Eat healthy food together for better physical and emotional health
- The Family Dinner Project
- Sonoma County WIC Programs- Women Infant and children food program and classes
- Free Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Cal Fresh)
- Healthy Eating and Drinking
- Redwood Empire Food Bank
- Sonoma County Office of Education Free Lunch Program and Map with pickup locations and information.
Healthy Activities
Lower Stress (yours and the kids) by getting outside and getting active!
- YMCA website or call (707) 545-9622
- Santa Rosa Parks & Recreation or call ( 707) 585-6108
- Sonoma Regional Parks Visit a park today!
- Landpaths- Get Kids Outside for Real Connection and Lifelong Joy.
- Sonoma County Library- Storytime, crafts, Read to a Dog and more!
- Children's Museum of Sonoma County. Hands-on, interactive exhibits and activities in a safe environment. Custom designed for families with children 10 years and under. Low cost admission and memberships available!
Childcare
Find licensed childcare providers for kids of any age.
- Children and Family Circle - Subsidized care 0-3 years
- Community Child Care Council - 4C’s- Childcare clearinghouse
- Sonoma County Child Care Association - Information, resources and referrals
- River to Coast Child Care Services - For West County Residents
- Boys and Girls Clubs - After school programs
- North Bay Children's Center- Provides a safe, secure and always caring environment that nurtures children socially, emotionally and academically. 15 locations including Healdsburg, Santa Rosa and Petaluma.
- Head Start and Early Head Start CAP Sonoma. CAP Sonoma Head Start is committed to providing no cost, high quality, culturally diverse, school readiness programs to low-income families. Prenatal to 5 years old.
School
For home visiting programs supporting Early Childhood Education see our Home Visiting Resources
Kids spend about 1,000 hours a year in school!
- The mission of the Sonoma County Office of Education is to foster student success.
- Sonoma County Library - Early Literacy, Homework Center and more!
- You are your child’s first and most important teacher! Learn and play together at Pasitos and Avance.
- Learn more about CalKIDS Investment and Development Savings Program. All participants receive a seed deposit up to $1,500 to help pay for future education after high school.
Behavioral Health
Even kids sometimes struggle with sadness, loss, and troubling thoughts. Support is available for kids.
- The Child Parent Institute provides child and family counseling and parenting classes.
- Sonoma County Mental Health Services provides Mental Health support for youth and families.
- The California Healthy Minds. Thriving Kids Project has a series of free, evidence based video and print resources caregivers can use to teach kids critical mental health and coping skills.
Developmental Assessments
All kids receive regular developmental assessments at their doctor well child visits starting at 2 months of age.
- Download the CDC milestone tracker app to learn more about developmental milestones.
- The Early Learning Institute can help you learn more about Developmental Assessments.
- You can also complete a developmental Ages and Stages Questionnaire screening for your child on their website.
- Sign up for Text4Baby to get weekly updates on your cell phone letting you know about your baby's developmental milestones.
Safety
Safest sleep means baby is on her back, on her own sleep surface, with a firm mattress and no bedding or toys that could accidentally cover her face or block her ability to breathe.
- You can learn more about Safe Sleep for babies here
- Sonoma County offers support for families who have suffered the loss of a child during pregnancy, in infancy, and beyond. Please see our website or call us at (800) 427-8982.
- Injuries are the leading cause of death in children ages 19 and younger. But most child injuries can be prevented. Parents and caregivers can play a life-saving role in protecting children from injuries. Learn more about child safety at the CDC Child Safety website.
- Sonoma County MCAH partners with the Community Child Care Council of Sonoma County (4Cs) to provide free car seats to low income families who cannot otherwise afford a car seat. Our goal is to reduce the number of injuries from motor vehicle crashes by increasing the correct usage of car seats. Learn how to install your child’s car seat correctly and receive the most current safety information.
To schedule an appointment please call one of our bilingual schedulers: Maria Lopez 707-522-1413 x 151 or Sandra Lemus 707-522-1413 X133
Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs
California serves families of children and youth who have one or more chronic physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional conditions to ensure optimal health and quality of life for all children and their families.
- California Children’s Services is a state program for children and youth with special healthcare needs. This program will connect you with doctors and trained health care people.
- North Bay Regional Center provides early intervention support for infants and toddlers with disabilities, and children’s services for kids over 3 years.
- Matrix supports families of children with special needs through a parent network and a resource center.
Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP)
CHDP can provide your family with assistance for medical appointment scheduling, transportation and access to treatment services. This program is free to all children covered under Medi-Cal
- Here is a brochure about the program in English and español
- Learn more and find out if you are eligible for this program by calling: (707) 565-4460