Having a baby is expensive. Like, really expensive. From setting up a nursery, to clothes, to the latest and greatest baby gadgets- and I haven’t even gotten to diapers yet! The average parent changes up to 3,000 diapers within their baby’s first year of life. If the average diaper costs around 30 cents, that’s nearly $1,000 on diapers alone.
While you still have to pay for diapers in Minnesota, there are several other factors that make it easier and more affordable to have a child here. From low insurance premiums and quality healthcare, Minnesota ranks #3 in the best states to have a baby in 2025, according to a new survey published by WalletHub.
High Quality Healthcare
Minnesota is home to the #1 hospital in the world, thanks to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. That tradition of top-notch healthcare permeates throughout the entire state, with world-class hospitals in cities from Duluth to Minneapolis to St. Cloud. Dependable and quality healthcare is a big reason why Minnesota has the second-lowest maternal mortality rate in the country and the 15th lowest infant mortality rate, according to WalletHub.
Lots of great hospitals also mean lots of fantastic medical professionals. Minnesota is home to a high number of nurse midwives, obstetricians and gynecologists, and pediatricians- giving mothers and parents lots of options on who to see before and after having a baby.
Low Insurance Premiums
One of the big reasons why Minnesota was able to top the list of the best states to have a baby in the country is because of its low healthcare costs. At $355 per month, the North Star State has the second-lowest health insurance premiums in the country, earning it a spot near the top of the list.
Healthy Babies
The health and safety of newborn babies is of the utmost importance for new parents. In WalletHub’s study, Minnesota gained points for low infant mortality and low birth rates.
Once babies are welcomed into the world, our state has a lot to offer families with high rates of nationally accredited childcare centers. This year, Minnesota also topped the list of the best states to raise a family with high points for affordability, health and safety, and family fun.
Mary McGuire is a mother of two young girls and freelance journalist based in the Twin Cities. Her current interests include searching for lost pacifiers, cleaning up crushed Cheerios, and sharing everything our great state has to offer with other families. Born and raised in Edina, Mary has worked in broadcast television for more than a decade at TV stations across the country.
