In 2025, infant mortality rates in the United States reached a new all-time low, according to preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The rate fell to slightly fewer than 5.4 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, showing a small yet statistically important decline from roughly 5.5 in 2024 and 5.6 in the previous two years.
Dr. Michael Warren, chief medical and health officer for the March of Dimes, expressed cautious optimism about the figures, noting, “This is an encouraging data point, and we hope that this trend will continue.” Infant mortality is a critical indicator of public health, measuring the number of babies who die before their first birthday. The overall number of infant deaths in the U.S. was approximately 19,350 for the year, marking a reduction from about 20,050 in 2024 and 20,160 in 2023.
The infant mortality rate in the U.S. has gradually improved over several decades, dropping from 7.5 per 1,000 births three decades ago. Advances in medical care and public health have been pivotal. However, the rate remains higher than in other affluent nations, often due to factors like poverty and inadequate prenatal care. A study highlighted that in 2022, the U.S. rate nearly doubled that of countries such as Italy, Japan, Spain, and Sweden.
The anomalous rise in 2022, linked to increased RSV and flu infections, marked the first significant uptick in two decades. In 2023, health authorities introduced new preventive measures, including a lab-made antibody shot for infants and an RSV vaccine for pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks. These measures likely contributed to the improvement seen in 2024.
Dr. Warren also noted a decline in sudden infant death syndrome, connecting this to enhanced education on safe sleeping practices for infants. The CDC released their provisional 2025 data in May, with a more comprehensive analysis of 2024 data following in June.
Key findings from the 2024 report include that death rates fell for both the youngest infants, under 28 days old, and older infants. Despite overall decreases, 2024 data showed stark racial disparities. Black infants experienced more than double the mortality rate of Hispanic, White, and Asian American infants. Furthermore, there was a noted decline in the mortality rate of full-term infants, while rates for other gestational ages remained stable.
The data also revealed geographic disparities in infant mortality rates. Mississippi had the highest rate at 9.65 deaths per 1,000 births, whereas New Hampshire had the lowest, with fewer than 3 per 1,000. Dr. Warren emphasized that these differences reflect varied factors, including access to care and community influences.