The State of Babies Yearbook provides 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.
Data over the last few years shows significant disparities in opportunity for our youngest children throughout the country. In every state—even among those with high averages—babies of color, babies in families of low-income, and those living in urban and rural areas face inequities that challenge the foundational brain development of the earliest years.
As our country now faces an unprecedented crisis as a result of COVID-19, policymakers and advocates can use the data to advance policies that produce the near-term support and long-term stability that babies and families need.
We know what all babies need to thrive: Good Health, Strong Families, and Positive Early Learning Experiences. The Buckner, Flores, Briggs, Juarez, and Hudson families share their experiences striving to nurture the development of their little ones despite the challenges they face – challenges that were only exacerbated by the pandemic.
As we begin to face the long-term consequences of the Coronavirus pandemic, it’s more urgent than ever that we commit to our nation’s future—babies. Federal and state-level policies and programs can make a difference in young children’s lives. In fact, many policy solutions already exist that have a positive effect on babies’ early development and family stability. You can take steps today to make your voice heard on behalf of infants and toddlers.
Take action on stateofbabies.org.
