Huggs & Kisses Sick Child Care

Huggs & Kisses Sick Child Care provides center-based daytime care in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, for mildly ill children ages six weeks to 15 years. The program offers a practical option when a child is under the weather or recovering from hospitalization or surgery, accepting conditions such as colds, fever, diarrhea, viral illnesses, pneumonia, ear infections, sprains, and fractures, as well as children with special needs who require extra care.

Care is delivered by a team of nursing assistants, caregivers, and a nurse practitioner under the leadership of founder and CEO Dr. Jacqueline W. Stewart. Families must pre-register, complete required forms, and have their child physically pre-screened prior to admission. An up-to-date immunization form is mandatory; the center does not accept immunization exemptions or children diagnosed with Covid-19 or RSV.

Huggs & Kisses does not prepare meals, so parents provide food and beverages for the entire day. Prescription medications are administered only according to parental instructions. Children are released only to authorized, properly identified guardians, and staff report significant changes in a child’s condition during the day. Hours are Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with space available on a first-come, first-served basis at its downtown location.