Best (and Worst) States for Giving Birth

Where do new families in the US have it made? WalletHub ranked all 50 states (plus Washington, DC) according to 31 measures that make a difference to new parents, including costs, health care availability, and family friendliness. Massachusetts topped the list, and for good reasons. Along with having the lowest infant mortality rates, the Bay State boasts the best infant leave policies in the US. WalletHub's Cassandra Happe stressed the importance of states continuing "to be good environments for parents even long after the birth." Without further ado, the 10 best and worst states:

Best States to Have a Baby

1. Massachusetts
2. North Dakota
3. Minnesota
4. Rhode Island
5. New Hampshire
6. District of Columbia
7. Maine
8. Vermont
9. Utah
10. Washington

Worst States to Have a Baby

42. Arkansas
43. Oklahoma
44. Louisiana
45. West Virginia
46. Nevada
47. Georgia
48. New Mexico
49. South Carolina
50. Alabama
51. Mississippi

(New parents in Baltimore could get a $1k "baby bonus.")