U.S. Infant Mortality Reaches All-Time Low in 2025

Infant mortality in the United States dropped to a historic low in 2025, according to preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The rate fell to slightly under 5.4 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, a modest improvement from about 5.5 in 2024 and 5.6 in the preceding two years. While this change appears small, researchers emphasize its significance, with hundreds fewer infant deaths each year.

Dr. Michael Warren, Chief Medical and Health Officer for the March of Dimes, expressed optimism, stating, “This is an encouraging data point, and we hope that this trend will continue.” Infant mortality reflects the number of babies dying before their first birthday. Given the annual variability in U.S. births, researchers use rates to track changes over time. Overall infant deaths in the U.S. declined to approximately 19,350 last year, according to provisional CDC data. The final count is anticipated to remain lower than the about 20,050 in 2024 and around 20,160 in 2023.

The U.S. infant mortality rate has consistently decreased over decades, aided by medical advancements and public health initiatives. Thirty years ago, the rate was at 7.5 per 1,000 live births. Yet, the U.S. continues to lag behind other high-income countries, a gap attributed to socioeconomic factors such as poverty and inadequate prenatal care.

In 2022, the U.S. infant mortality rate experienced a statistically significant rise due to a resurgence of RSV and flu infections, nearly doubling the rates of peer nations including Italy, Japan, Spain, and Sweden. That year marked the first significant increase in two decades. In response, U.S. health officials in 2023 began endorsing two new preventive measures for infants: lab-made antibody shots to enhance immune defense against RSV and vaccines for women at 32 to 36 weeks of pregnancy.

A related decline in sudden infant death syndrome might link to enhanced education about safe infant sleeping practices, as noted by Warren. The 2025 provisional data, released in late May, indicated continued declines for the youngest infants, under 28 days old, and older infants. In-depth analysis of 2024 data revealed stark racial differences, with infants of Black mothers facing mortality rates more than twice those of Hispanic, white, and Asian American mothers.

The mortality rate improved for full-term infants, born at 39 to 40 weeks, though rates for other gestational age groups remained largely unchanged. Geographical disparities also persisted, with Mississippi recording the highest infant mortality rate at 9.65 deaths per 1,000 births, contrasted by New Hampshire’s lowest rate, below 3 per 1,000. These variations reflect disparities in healthcare access, community factors, and health policies.

The CDC offers thorough analysis and insight to aid understanding and advance research in this critical area. The report emphasizes the ongoing need for policies and practices that support maternal and child health.