Strong Physical Health and Nutrition

The Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) for infants and toddlers shape development from the start, with life-long consequences. Our latest report, produced in partnership with Child Trends, uses State of Babies Yearbook data to cast light on the specific Social Determinants of Health for babies and their families.  The resulting robust picture of economic and social resources available to the nation’s babies shows that while many young children are thriving, Black, Hispanic, and Ame...

The State of Babies Yearbook: 2022 makes clear that our nation’s systems have not ensured all babies have the supports they need to thrive. A nation that tolerates grave disparities and does not prize equity cannot be strong in the long term.

Georgetown University’s Center for Children and Families published the report Rate of Uninsured Toddlers and Infants on the Rise in partnership with Think Babies. This analysis shows an alarming increase in the rate of uninsured young children, drawing on data from before the COVID-19 crisis, raising Continue Reading

Think Babies national and state partners are focused on how to meet the needs of babies and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Partners shared the following resources with ZERO TO THREE, including federal and state policy recommendations and guidance to professionals and parents on supporting early development during this challenging time. While we’re pleased to share the wealth of resources from our partners, please note that it does not represent endorsement of the content incl...

New 50-state fact sheets, developed by the Food Resource and Action Center, provide national and state-specific data on hunger and poverty experienced by infants and toddlers, as well as access to federal nutrition programs.

This policy brief from 1000 Days summarizes the research on how good nutrition in pregnancy, infancy and toddlerhood supports long-term health outcomes.

Op-ed from ZERO TO THREE Chief Policy Officer Myra Jones-Taylor and Charlotte Brantley, President & CEO of Think Babies state partner Clayton Early Learning discussing the State of Babies Yearbook 2019 and the need for policies and investments to support infants, toddlers and their families in Colorado.

News article from Roll Call highlighting Strolling Thunder rally, families’ stories and issues related to paid leave access and health care expenses.

Article from Providence Journal outlines the 2019 policy priorities of Think Babies state partner Rhode Island Kids Count.

This policy brief from NCSL provides an overview of recent state legislation that supports infants, toddlers and their families, including state laws that: improve access to and quality of child care, ensure parents have time to bond with young children, and empower parents to support their child’s healthy emotional and physical development.