Massachusetts #1 State to Have a Baby in 2024
Thinking about having a baby? Well, if you’re in Massachusetts, you’re in luck! WalletHub just dropped its latest report on the best and worst states to have a baby in 2024, and guess who’s number one? That’s right, Massachusetts!
Bringing a baby into the world is a big deal, and so are the costs that come with it. On average, a conventional birth costs over $2,600 if you have insurance. But without it, the bill could skyrocket to nearly $15,000. That’s a hefty sum! So, it’s no wonder prospective parents are looking for the best states to get the most bang for their buck.
WalletHub didn’t just pull these rankings out of thin air. They compared all 50 states plus Washington D.C. across 31 different factors. They looked at everything from hospital delivery charges to infant care costs to how many pediatricians are available. Basically, they left no stone unturned.
So, why is Massachusetts at the top of the list? Let’s break it down. The Bay State is killing it in several key areas:
- Infant Mortality Rate: Massachusetts has the lowest in the nation.
- Parental-Leave Policy: It’s the best you’ll find.
- Health Care Pros: There are plenty of pediatricians and family medicine physicians to go around, putting Massachusetts at 6th place for that category.
Sure, there are some areas where Massachusetts is just average. For instance, it ranks 25th for hospital conventional-delivery charges and 18th for cesarean delivery charges.
But overall, it’s clear that Massachusetts is the place to be if you’re expecting.
“Massachusetts is the best state to have a baby, in large part because it has the lowest infant mortality rate in the country and the fourth-lowest maternal mortality rate,” said Cassandra Happe, WalletHub Analyst. “Massachusetts also has the sixth-lowest food-insecurity rate for children and the seventh-highest share of children under three years old with all seven recommended vaccines. In addition, after giving birth in Massachusetts, you can benefit from the best parental leave policies in the nation.”
Whether you’re a local or thinking about moving, Massachusetts is setting the standard for baby-friendliness in 2024.
So, if a baby is on the horizon for you, maybe it’s time to start packing your bags for Mass!
