Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care

Breastfeeding Graphic

Protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding is an important part of public health. The Department's Child and Adult Care Food Program encourages child care centers and family day care homes to support breastfeeding families and recognizes these providers with a Breastfeeding Friendly designation. Child care center/day care home staff complete an assessment that shows they support breastfeeding families.

Why should my center or home support breastfeeding?

  • A child care center or home that is Breastfeeding Friendly actively supports breastfeeding families and helps parents continue breastfeeding when they return to work or school.
  • Breastfeeding helps children by providing protection from infection, SIDS, obesity, constipation, and diarrhea.
  • Breastfeeding helps centers and homes financially. Meals containing breast milk are reimbursed by CACFP.
  • The Breastfeeding Friendly designation can be used to market centers or homes as a place that welcomes breastfeeding families. Certified centers and homes can be listed on the NYS DOH website as Breastfeeding Friendly.

How do I apply to be designated as Breastfeeding Friendly?

For Day Care Centers:

For Day Care Home Providers:

Where can I find more information on Breastfeeding?

Where will my center/home be listed on the website?