High hospital delivery costs and soaring child care expenses have landed New York among the worst states in the country to have a baby, according to a new report from WalletHub.
Despite ranking 15th overall in the personal finance site’s 2025 “Best & Worst States to Have a Baby” report, New York’s standing is dragged down by costs — especially for new parents without insurance.
New York’s cost concerns weigh heavily
WalletHub ranked New York:
- 36th in conventional-delivery hospital charges
- 34th in cesarean-delivery hospital charges
- 46th in average annual early child care costs
For uninsured mothers, the cost of giving birth can approach $15,000, while even those with insurance face out-of-pocket expenses averaging over $2,600.
Health care access is better — but not enough
While New York fared better in certain health-related metrics — including 6th in infant mortality rate and 10th in access to midwives and OB-GYNs — the overall experience of having and raising a child in the state remains challenging due to affordability.
Other rankings include:
- 25th for low birth-weight rate
- 15th for pediatricians and family medicine physicians per capita
- 30th for child-care centers per capita
- 7th for parental-leave policy score
What makes a state baby-friendly?
“The best states for having a baby minimize costs while providing top-notch care for both newborns and their mothers,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. He cited Massachusetts — ranked first — as a national model, highlighting its low infant and maternal mortality rates, excellent vaccine coverage, and the nation’s strongest parental leave policies.
Experts contributing to the report said supporting primary caregivers and investing in affordable, quality child care are critical to making cities and states more family-friendly.
“The burden of raising children within isolated nuclear families is immense and unhealthy,” said Dr. Stacey Doan, a professor at Claremont McKenna College. “City authorities have the power to shift that culture.”
New York birth rate trends also under pressure
As the U.S. birth rate continues its gradual decline, experts say the financial, emotional, and systemic burdens of parenting are major deterrents.
“Parents today spend more money and time than ever before,” said Doan. “They’re doing a cost-benefit analysis, and for many, less is more.”
Others point to economic uncertainty, stress, and lack of access to reliable health care as reasons many would-be parents are delaying or avoiding childbirth altogether.
What’s next?
With birth costs and child care among the highest in the country, New York’s challenge remains not just in delivering healthy babies — but in supporting the families raising them.
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