Babies are born with unlimited potential.

For the 12 million infants and toddlers in the United States, the state where they are born and live during their first three years makes a big difference in their chance for a strong start in life.

The littlest among us face big challenges, and we can’t afford to squander the potential of a single child.

State of Babies Yearbook: 2019

For the first time, the State of Babies Yearbook: 2019 compares national and state-by-state data on the well-being of infants and toddlers.

The current state of babies tells an important story about what it is like to be a very young child in this country, and where we are headed as a nation. Far too many babies face persistent hardships—such as food insecurity, unstable housing and exposure to violence—that undermine their ability to grow and thrive.

To create a brighter future for all, we must implement policies based on science and budgets that make babies a priority.

Read the Overview
Download the Full Yearbook

*Please note: these are large files and may take some time to download.

The State of Babies

Where you are born makes a big difference in your chances for a strong start in life. Explore the map to see how your state stacks up—and how it can provide better opportunities for babies.

Find Your State

The State of Babies

of babies in the U.S. are children of color
Policies to support healthy babies should embrace the changing demographics of our country.
of U.S. babies live in low-income families
Families that struggle to make ends meet can’t always provide the nurturing experiences babies need to thrive.

Bright Spots for Babies

When it comes to helping our babies grow and thrive, some states offer models for others to follow. Learn how some states are implementing effective policy solutions to help infants and toddlers overcome early life challenges.

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