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Economic Security

Supporting families’ fundamental needs. 

Family stability is secured by having enough income to meet family needs, safe neighborhoods where children can grow and play, and the ability to meet basic needs such as stable housing, food and nutrition, and even diaper supplies. Families need a range of equitable policies that bolster economic security when children are young and their development most sensitive to economic want. Ensuring adequate income is basic to creating the environment in which young children thrive.

Take Action

Tell Congress to #ThinkBabiesAndAct and support the economic security of families with young children! 

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THE FACTS

Even before the COVID pandemic, 2 in 5 infants and toddlers in the United States already lived in families whose economic security was precarious.

THE FACTS

Poverty affects children’s brain development and learning. Children who start out in poverty are more likely to fall behind in self-regulation, learning, memory, and language and emotional control.

THE FACTS

Babies in families with low income are 3.5 times more likely to have two or more adverse child experiences.

Policy Solutions At-A-Glance

Create long-term solutions to close the wealth gap starting at birth, including: 

  • A $15 federal minimum wage;
  • Enhanced federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits; and
  • A child allowance through a Young Child Tax Credit.

What it could mean for babies:

These policy solutions could help build a more equitable economic system that would ensure families have enough income to make ends meet and nurture their young children. Economic security policies are foundational to strengthening families with infants and toddlers and help close the wealth gap for the next generation, starting at birth. Helping families meet basic needs such as food and shelter boosts child development by directly providing essential ingredients for health growth and alleviating some of the stress families endure when they are not able to meet their basic needs.   

Advocacy Tools & Resources

Hunger, Poverty, Health, and Federal Nutrition Programs: Use these state fact sheets, from Think Babies and the Food Research Action Center, for national and state-specific rates of hunger and poverty experienced by infants and toddlers as well as the data on the impact of federal programs in the state.  

Building Strong Foundations: Learn more about the core policies that support good health, secure and stable families, and positive early learning environments for infants and toddlers.

State of Babies Yearbook: 2021: Use national and state-by-state data on the well-being of infants and toddlers to call on federal and state policymakers to improve outcomes for babies and families.