Strong Physical Health and Nutrition

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.

The state where a baby is born makes a big difference in their chances for a strong start in life. For the first time, ZERO TO THREE and Child Trends are telling the state-by-state story of America’s babies. The data can be used by policymakers and advocates to identify and act on the challenges facing the youngest members of society.

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.

In partnership with the Think Babies campaign, the National Black Child Development Institute has published a resource providing tips to parents on practical ways to nurture their child’s healthy development, as well as how to become an advocate for policies that will help babies and families to thrive.

In June 2018, the National Governor’s Association (NGA) convened an expert roundtable conversation to review the latest research on early childhood development and current state efforts to support infants and toddlers and their families. In partnership with the Think Babies campaign, NGA recently released a report of that conversation that lays out what state leaders need to do to ensure strong futures for babies and their families.

In this blog post, Think Babies national partner NCSL discusses the importance of healthy nutrition for infants and toddlers and how public policies  and programs can help.