The rankings evaluated all 50 states and Washington, D.C. across 31 factors, including childbirth costs, quality of health care, infant and maternal health, child care access, pediatric care, and paid parental leave. A new analysis by financial company WalletHub ranked the best and worst states for having a baby in 2026 by comparing all 50 states and the District of Columbia across four broad categories: cost, health care, baby-friendliness and family-friendliness. In contrast, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida ranked as the worst states to have a baby in 2026 . Best and worst states to have a baby in 2026Massachusetts Minnesota North Dakota Rhode Island New HampshireSee the full report here . According to the data, the average 18-year cost of raising a child grew to $303,418 after tax exemptions and credits.