Time for Parents to Bond with Their Babies

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.

In their new policy brief developed in partnership with Think Babies, PolicyLink highlights how COVID-19 is threatening to widen gaps in opportunity, and makes the case for both paid leave policy and investments in quality, affordable childcare to ensure that we give all babies an equitable start.

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...

Video from NBC news highlights families’ stories from Strolling Thunder 2019 and their legislative asks, especially access to paid leave.

Bloomberg article highlighting families’ efforts to advocate for paid leave as part of Strolling Thunder and discussing Democratic and Republican bills and funding mechanisms.

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.

Article from Education NC provides a summary of North Carolina’s second Strolling Thunder event held on April 8, 2019 by Think Babies state partner organizations the North Carolina Early Education Coalition and Child Care Services Association.

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.