U.S. infant mortality rate falls to an all-time low

Infant mortality in the United States reached a new historic low in 2025, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting slightly fewer than 5.4 infant deaths per 1,000 live births. While this may seem like a small decline from previous years, experts emphasize that it is a significant improvement that translates to hundreds of fewer infant deaths annually.

Dr. Michael Warren, chief medical and health officer for the March of Dimes, expressed optimism about the trend, stating that it is an encouraging data point and hoping that it will continue. Infant mortality is a critical measure of how many babies die before their first birthday, and the declining rates are a positive development for public health in the U.S.

The overall numbers of infant deaths have been decreasing as well, with approximately 19,350 infant deaths recorded in 2025. This figure is lower than the previous years, reflecting the ongoing progress in medical advancements and public health initiatives. Despite these improvements, the U.S. infant mortality rate remains higher than that of other high-income countries, which experts attribute to factors such as poverty and inadequate prenatal care.

In 2022, there was a notable increase in the U.S. infant mortality rate, which experts linked to a rise in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and flu infections. To address this issue, health officials began recommending new measures in 2023, including a lab-made antibody shot for infants and an RSV vaccine for pregnant women. These interventions likely contributed to the improvement observed in 2024.

Additionally, education about safe sleeping practices for infants has led to a decline in sudden infant death syndrome. Dr. Warren highlighted the importance of raising awareness about safe sleeping habits for infants to prevent these tragic incidents.

The latest CDC data for 2024 revealed some key findings, including a decline in death rates for both younger and older infants. Disparities in infant mortality rates based on race were also evident, with infants born to Black women experiencing higher mortality rates compared to other racial groups. While there was a decrease in mortality rates for full-term infants, rates for other gestational age groups remained relatively stable.

Mississippi had the highest infant mortality rate in 2025, while New Hampshire had the lowest. These differences underscore the importance of addressing access to care, community factors, and policies that can improve health outcomes for infants across the country.

Overall, the downward trend in infant mortality rates in the U.S. is a positive sign of progress in public health efforts. By continuing to focus on interventions and strategies that support infant health and well-being, we can strive to further reduce infant mortality and ensure better outcomes for the country’s youngest population.