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.
State of Babies Yearbook: 2021
The State of Babies Yearbook: 2021 compares national and state-by-state data on the well-being of infants and toddlers.
To create a brighter future for all, we must implement policies based on science and budgets that make babies a priority.
If you are interested in learning more, read the major findings, explore all state profiles, and consult the indicator dictionary.
The State of Babies
The state where a child is born and lives during their first three years makes a big difference in their chance for a strong start in life. See how your state stacks up—and where significant disparities exist in the opportunities available for babies of color to thrive.
Note: Data for Positive Early Learning Experiences policy indicators revised
as of April 30, 2021.
Racism Creates Inequities in Maternal and Child Health Even Before Birth
Whether infants and toddlers are born healthy and with the potential to thrive as they grow greatly depends on their mother’s well-being – not just before birth, but even prior to conception. This updated brief applies an even more targeted racial and ethnic equity lens to the review of the data on disparities in maternal and child health; and lays out recommendations for policymakers and practitioners to promote equity and improve maternal and child health outcomes.
This brief digs into the disparities in maternal and child health, applying a targeted racial and ethnic equity lens to lay out recommendations for policymakers and practitioners to promote equity and improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Note: Brief updated July 2021 to correct language referring to specific group prenatal care models.
Virtual Summit
This year, experts and advocates came together to discuss the impacts of economic security, child care, and maternal and child health on the well-being of infants and toddlers. Families from across the nation also shared their experiences raising little ones during the pandemic. Explore the summit and learn more about key findings from the State of Babies Yearbook: 2021.
Babies and Families in the U.S.
of babies in the U.S. are children of color
of U.S. babies live in low-income families
