The best states to have a baby in 2025 (and the 10 that need to do better)
According to WalletHub's just-released 2025 Best & Worst States to Have a Baby report, the average cost of a conventional birth is more than $2,600 for mothers with insurance and nearly $15,000 for those without.
For many parents, the financial and logistical realities of birth are prompting a bigger question: What does 'baby-friendly' actually look like when you're the one giving birth?
WalletHub analyzed all 50 states and the District of Columbia across 31 factors, including hospital delivery costs, infant care expenses, healthcare access, and the number of pediatricians per capita. The results highlight how different the experience of welcoming a child can be depending on your zip code.
The 10 best states to have a baby in 2025
Massachusetts
North Dakota
Minnesota
New Hampshire
Maine
Rhode Island
Vermont
Washington
Iowa
District of Columbia
Why Massachusetts leads the list
Massachusetts has the third-lowest infant mortality rate, the eighth-lowest maternal mortality rate, and strong parental leave policies. It also ranks high in childhood vaccination rates and food security.
For new parents, that translates to better infrastructure, more accessible care, and policy-level support during one of life's most demanding transitions.
Related: Where to give birth: Here are your labor and delivery options
The 10 hardest states to give birth in
While some states are building strong foundations for new parents, others leave families facing significant hurdles from the very start.
According to WalletHub's analysis, these are the 10 lowest-ranked states when it comes to birth-related cost, healthcare access, and family support:
42. West Virginia
43. Oklahoma
44. Florida
45. Arkansas
46. New Mexico
47. Georgia
48. South Carolina
49. Nevada
50. Alabama
51. Mississippi
Parents in these states often face higher rates of low birth weight, fewer OB-GYNs per capita, and little to no paid leave, all of which can increase stress during pregnancy and postpartum.
Why Mississippi leads the list
In Mississippi, for example, families navigate some of the highest risks and fewest resources in the country. Consistently limited access to care and support leaves many new parents without the tools they need to feel safe and prepared.
Your state can shape your experience—long before and long after delivery
The report revealed dramatic differences across the country:
South Dakota has the lowest average annual cost for early child care—3.5 times lower than in D.C., which has the highest. That kind of gap can determine whether a parent returns to work out of choice or financial necessity, and whether care is chosen based on quality or affordability.
District of Columbia has the most midwives and OB-GYNs per capita. More access means less time on waitlists, more flexibility in choosing providers, and a higher chance of being seen when it matters most.
Massachusetts leads the nation in parental leave policies.
These gaps reflect what many parents already know firsthand: the support you need to raise a child depends heavily on where you live.
Related: The United States is the most expensive country to give birth in
What parents can do—no matter where they live
If you're in a state that ranks lower on WalletHub's list, it doesn't mean you're out of options. Experts recommend:
Tapping into community resources: Local nonprofits and parent networks can help bridge the gap in childcare and healthcare access.
Advocating for policy change: From zoning laws to parental leave policies, many of the solutions start at the local level.
Leaning on support systems: Building your own 'village,' whether through friends, family, or community groups, is critical for both parents and babies.
Because whether you live in Massachusetts or Mississippi, one thing is clear: parents shouldn't have to navigate this alone.
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