Help for Connecticut parents and children

Support for healthy growth and development

The Department of Public Health (DPH) supports parents and children. DPH services help Connecticut kids live full, healthy lives.

Find important health resources for parents and children including:

  • Programs for healthy pregnancies and babies
  • Common health concerns for infants and children
  • Community resources for prevention and wellness
  • Partner agencies to help with every stage of development
Get birth certificates and other records  

Babies and pregnancy

Resources for pregnancy, postpartum, and newborns

Explore resources to support you through every trimester and beyond. From prenatal care to guidance on breastfeeding and safe sleep, DPH is here to help.

The Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC) provides supports to low-income pregnant and postpartum women, and children 5 years old and younger.
Learn about breastfeeding and other support from WIC  

Learn urgent maternal warning signs 

The Hear Her campaign supports pregnant and postpartum women. The program helps identify early warning signs to look out for.

Newborn screening for 60+ conditions 

The Newborn Screening Program (NSP) screens all CT infants when they’re born. Learn more about NSP or see all prenatal and newborn screening tests.

Learn about perinatal and postpartum depression 

Feeling bad during or after pregnancy is not uncommon. Read FAQs and learn what to discuss with your provider.

Practice safe sleep with your newborn 

Reduce the risk of sleep-related accidents. Get guidance for parents to ensure newborns are sleeping safely and peacefully.

Immunizations and vaccines

Immunization icon

Connecticut immunization info for babies, kids, and parents

Keep yourself and children healthy by following vaccine guidelines. Find out which immunizations your child needs to attend school and access immunization records.

Common health conditions and concerns for kids

Allergies  

View DPH information and guidance on allergies. Download posters and view recent food recalls.

Asthma 

Learn more about managing childhood asthma. Find specific information for students with asthma and school care plans.

Lead & other environmental risks for kids 

Children are more at risk from exposure to environmental hazards. Learn about lead poisoning, daycare-related illness, asthma, and more.

Lyme and other vector-borne illnesses 

Find information on Lyme and other common Connecticut tick-born illnesses. You can also find info on mosquito-born diseases.

Youth risk behaviors and prevention

Vaping 

Fact sheets for school professionals, parents, and the general public on vaping risks.

Connecticut School Health Survey  

Surveys and data on bullying, mental health, substance abuse, and more.

Self-harm prevention info  

The Office of Injury and Violence Prevention works collaboratively with other agencies to reduce injuries in Connecticut.

Tobacco and cannabis use 

The Tobacco and Cannabis Prevention Program provides educational materials about the risks of smoking and how to quit.

Family health and prevention resources

Community health centers (CHC) 

CHCs are open to everyone and offer sliding scale fees for primary and preventive care. Find and learn more about your local CHC.

School-based health centers (SBHC) 

SBHCs are on-campus healthcare centers for students. Learn more about locations and services.

Hearing screening for newborns and kids  

We screen newborns for hearing problems and provide support throughout early childhood.

Local health departments  

Find and contact your local health department for info on community health programs, health alerts, and more.

Immunizations 

Find all information from the Department of Public Health about vaccines for schools, kids, parents, providers, and more.

SNAP and nutrition 

Find information about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutritional services.

Oral health care for kids 

Learn why oral health is important for kids and families. Find educational resources and more.

Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)  

Find out if you’re eligible and apply today for supplemental food, health care referrals, and other support for parents and children.

School and daycare safety

More help from the CT.gov network

We’re in this together. Explore more help for parents and children.