Report: Washington Is the Ninth-Best State to Have a Baby In

The cost of welcoming a new baby differs from state to state, but the average conventional delivery in the U.S. requires shelling out more than $15,700, and families with employer-sponsored insurance still pay nearly $2,600 out of pocket on average. Cost isn't the only factor expectant parents should consider, though.

“The best states for having a baby minimize costs while providing top-notch care for both newborns and their mothers,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. “They also continue to be good environments for parents even long after the birth, with high-quality pediatric care, affordable and accessible childcare, and a strong economic environment that makes providing for a child easier.”

In-Depth Look at Washington

Washington is an excellent state to have a baby in, partially because it has the third-best parental-leave policy in the country. It also has the third-lowest share of newborns with a low birthweight and the fourth-best neonatal care facilities for premature or high-risk newborns.

Washington has room for improvement in other areas, though. For example, the state has the third-most expensive early-life childcare in the country, and the seventh-most expensive babysitters and nannies.

How Washington Ranks in Key Categories

• 46th for Cost
• 10th for Healthcare
• Fourth for Baby-Friendliness
• 13th for Family-Friendliness

This puts Washington in ninth place out of the 50 states and the District of Columbia in WalletHub's study.

Best States to Have a Baby

The methodology can be found on the full version of the article on WalletHub.