MA Among Best States To Have A Baby, New Study Says

Massachusetts is the best state in the country to have a baby, according to a new study from WalletHub.

The personal finance website compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 31 key metrics ranging from affordability and health care access to baby- and family-friendliness.

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

Massachusetts topped the rankings by landing at 2nd for health, 2nd for baby-friendliness and 1st for family-friendliness. The Bay State fared lest well in the cost category, sitting at 39th.

Massachusetts has the 3rd-lowest infant mortality rate in the country and the 3rd-lowest maternal mortality rate. It also has the best neonatal hospitals in the country.

"In addition, parents in Massachusetts benefit from the best leave policies in the nation after the birth of a child," WalletHub noted. "You can also take advantage of parenting programs that are covered by Medicaid."

Here's the full top 10:

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

Read the full story at WalletHub.

Read more: Here's How MA Compares In New Best States Ranking

This MA Community Ranked In 100 Best Places To Live List

Here's Where MA Cities Rank On Best Places To Raise A Family