This statistic depicts the percentage of U.S. community health center newborns that had a low birth weight from 2010 to 2016. In 2010, 7.4 percent of health center babies had a low birth weight. Comparatively, the national average in 2010 was 8.1 percent.

United States US: Prevalence of Wasting: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 0.700 % in 2012. This records an increase from the previous number of 0.500 % for 2009. United States US: Prevalence of Wasting: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 0.550 % from Dec 1991 (Median) to 2012, with 6 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.800 % in 2005 and a record low of 0.100 % in 2001. United States US: Prevalence of Wasting: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Prevalence of wasting, female, is the proportion of girls under age 5 whose weight for height is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; Undernourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Frequent illness saps the nutritional status of those who survive, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth (UNICEF, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. Being even mildly underweight increases the risk of death and inhibits cognitive development in children. And it perpetuates the problem across generations, as malnourished women are more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. Stunting, or being below median height for age, is often used as a proxy for multifaceted deprivation and as an indicator of long-term changes in malnutrition.

United States US: Prevalence of Underweight: Weight for Age: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 0.500 % in 2012. This records a decrease from the previous number of 0.800 % for 2009. United States US: Prevalence of Underweight: Weight for Age: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 0.900 % from Dec 1991 (Median) to 2012, with 5 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.100 % in 2005 and a record low of 0.500 % in 2012. United States US: Prevalence of Underweight: Weight for Age: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.World Bank: Health Statistics. Prevalence of underweight children is the percentage of children under age 5 whose weight for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. The data are based on the WHO's child growth standards released in 2006.; ; UNICEF, WHO, World Bank: Joint child malnutrition estimates (JME). Aggregation is based on UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank harmonized dataset (adjusted, comparable data) and methodology.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; Undernourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Frequent illness saps the nutritional status of those who survive, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth (UNICEF, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. Being even mildly underweight increases the risk of death and inhibits cognitive development in children. And it perpetuates the problem across generations, as malnourished women are more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. Stunting, or being below median height for age, is often used as a proxy for multifaceted deprivation and as an indicator of long-term changes in malnutrition.

In 2024, 33.6 percent of children aged 19 and under in the U.S. had Medicaid health insurance, this share was lower in comparison to the previous year. This statistic illustrates the distribution of children aged 19 and under with Medicaid coverage in the United States (U.S.) from 2017 to 2024.

United States US: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Male: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 3.000 % in 2012. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3.200 % for 2009. United States US: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Male: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 3.600 % from Dec 1991 (Median) to 2012, with 6 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4.500 % in 2002 and a record low of 3.000 % in 2012. United States US: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Male: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Prevalence of stunting, male, is the percentage of boys under age 5 whose height for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. For children up to two years old height is measured by recumbent length. For older children height is measured by stature while standing. The data are based on the WHO's new child growth standards released in 2006.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; Undernourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Frequent illness saps the nutritional status of those who survive, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth (UNICEF, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. Being even mildly underweight increases the risk of death and inhibits cognitive development in children. And it perpetuates the problem across generations, as malnourished women are more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. Stunting, or being below median height for age, is often used as a proxy for multifaceted deprivation and as an indicator of long-term changes in malnutrition.

UNICEF's country profile for United States, including under-five mortality rates, child health, education and sanitation data.

United States US: Immunization: DPT: % of Children Aged 12-23 Months data was reported at 95.000 % in 2017. This stayed constant from the previous number of 95.000 % for 2016. United States US: Immunization: DPT: % of Children Aged 12-23 Months data is updated yearly, averaging 95.000 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2017, with 28 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 96.000 % in 2011 and a record low of 83.000 % in 1992. United States US: Immunization: DPT: % of Children Aged 12-23 Months data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Child immunization, DPT, measures the percentage of children ages 12-23 months who received DPT vaccinations before 12 months or at any time before the survey. A child is considered adequately immunized against diphtheria, pertussis (or whooping cough), and tetanus (DPT) after receiving three doses of vaccine.; ; WHO and UNICEF (http://www.who.int/immunization/monitoring_surveillance/en/).; Weighted average;

United States US: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data was reported at 4.200 % in 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 4.000 % for 2023. United States US: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data is updated yearly, averaging 2.800 % from Dec 2000 (Median) to 2024, with 25 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4.200 % in 2024 and a record low of 2.500 % in 2012. United States US: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Prevalence of stunting is the percentage of children under age 5 whose height for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. For children up to two years old height is measured by recumbent length. For older children height is measured by stature while standing. The data are based on the WHO's 2006 Child Growth Standards.;UNICEF, WHO, World Bank: Joint child Malnutrition Estimates (JME).;Weighted average;Undernourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Frequent illness saps the nutritional status of those who survive, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth (UNICEF). Being even mildly underweight increases the risk of death and inhibits cognitive development in children. And it perpetuates the problem across generations, as malnourished women are more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. Stunting, or being below median height for age, is often used as a proxy for multifaceted deprivation and as an indicator of long-term changes in malnutrition. Estimates are modeled estimates produced by the JME. Primary data sources of the anthropometric measurements are national surveys. These surveys are administered sporadically, resulting in sparse data for many countries. Furthermore, the trend of the indicators over time is usually not a straight line and varies by country. Tracking the current level and progress of indicators helps determine if countries are on track to meet certain thresholds, such as those indicated in the SDGs. Thus the JME developed statistical models and produced the modeled estimates.

"Note: Counts of and rates based on fewer than 10 births are suppressed for privacy reasons.

Source: Center for Policy Planning and Evaluation, DC Department of Health

Why This Matters

Preterm birth is a leading cause of infant deaths in the United States. Babies born preterm are also at an increased risk of breathing problems, feeding difficulties, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, vision problems, and hearing problems.

Nationally, approximately one in ten babies are born preterm. Factors such as maternal age, pregnancy history, medical conditions, lifestyle, and access to health care contribute to preterm births.

Preterm birth rates are highest among infants born to Black and Native American mothers. These disparities are associated with racism-related stress and structural barriers to education, quality health care, affordable housing, and sustainable income that disproportionately affect communities of color.

The District Response

Enhancements to District healthcare programs. Medicaid expansion provides greater access to prenatal care, extended postpartum Medicaid coverage for a full year, and reimbursement for doula services through all District programs. For a list of local and national resources on pregnancy and related topics, click here.

Supports mother and infant health outcomes through DC Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and various perinatal health programs, partnering with community-based organizations, healthcare institutions, and District agencies.

Paid family leave program provides 12 weeks to bond with a new child or care for a serious health condition, and 2 weeks specifically for prenatal care.

In 2023, while **** percent of all uninsured children were Hispanic, the uninsured rate was highest among children of American Indian or Alaska native (AIAN) ethnic group, such that every one in ** AIAN children were uninsured. This statistic shows the percentage and rate of children without health insurance in the U.S. in 2023, by race/ethnicity.

United States US: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 2.100 % in 2012. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2.700 % for 2009. United States US: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 3.200 % from Dec 1991 (Median) to 2012, with 5 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3.300 % in 2001 and a record low of 2.100 % in 2012. United States US: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.World Bank: Health Statistics. Prevalence of stunting is the percentage of children under age 5 whose height for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. For children up to two years old height is measured by recumbent length. For older children height is measured by stature while standing. The data are based on the WHO's new child growth standards released in 2006.; ; UNICEF, WHO, World Bank: Joint child malnutrition estimates (JME). Aggregation is based on UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank harmonized dataset (adjusted, comparable data) and methodology.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; Undernourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Frequent illness saps the nutritional status of those who survive, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth (UNICEF, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. Being even mildly underweight increases the risk of death and inhibits cognitive development in children. And it perpetuates the problem across generations, as malnourished women are more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. Stunting, or being below median height for age, is often used as a proxy for multifaceted deprivation and as an indicator of long-term changes in malnutrition.

United States US: Immunization: HepB3: % of One-Year-Old Children data was reported at 93.000 % in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 92.000 % for 2015. United States US: Immunization: HepB3: % of One-Year-Old Children data is updated yearly, averaging 91.000 % from Dec 1993 (Median) to 2016, with 24 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 94.000 % in 2008 and a record low of 16.000 % in 1993. United States US: Immunization: HepB3: % of One-Year-Old Children data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.World Bank: Health Statistics. Child immunization rate, hepatitis B is the percentage of children ages 12-23 months who received hepatitis B vaccinations before 12 months or at any time before the survey. A child is considered adequately immunized after three doses.; ; WHO and UNICEF (http://www.who.int/immunization/monitoring_surveillance/en/).; Weighted average;

Graph and download economic data for Hours Worked for Health Care and Social Assistance: Child Day Care Services (NAICS 6244) in the United States (IPURN6244L201000000) from 1988 to 2024 about day care, healthcare, social assistance, health, NAICS, hours, IP, child, services, and USA.

In 2023, 76.1 percent of all uninsured children were from the age group between six and 18 years, while the rate of uninsured within the same age group was 5.7 percent, the highest rate of children of all age groups. This statistic shows the percentage and rate of children without health insurance in the U.S. in 2023, by age group.

The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) is the largest publicly available all-payer pediatric inpatient care database in the United States, containing data from two to three million hospital stays each year. Its large sample size is ideal for developing national and regional estimates and enables analyses of rare conditions, such as congenital anomalies, as well as uncommon treatments, such as organ transplantation. Developed through a Federal-State-Industry partnership sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, HCUP data inform decision making at the national, State, and community levels. The KID is a sample of pediatric discharges from 4,000 U.S. hospitals in the HCUP State Inpatient Databases yielding approximately two to three million unweighted hospital discharges for newborns, children, and adolescents per year. About 10 percent of normal newborns and 80 percent of other neonatal and pediatric stays are selected from each hospital that is sampled for patients younger than 21 years of age. The KID contains clinical and resource use information included in a typical discharge abstract, with safeguards to protect the privacy of individual patients, physicians, and hospitals (as required by data sources). It includes discharge status, diagnoses, procedures, patient demographics (e.g., sex, age), expected source of primary payment (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, self-pay, and other insurance types), and hospital charges and cost. Restricted access data files are available with a data use agreement and brief online security training.

This statistic shows the results of a survey in which U.S. parents were asked how they promote healthy eating habits in their children. The most common strategies include limiting junk food and limiting fast food, with ** percent of parents employing each strategy to help their children maintain a healthy diet.

Graph and download economic data for Employment for Health Care and Social Assistance: Child Day Care Services (NAICS 6244) in the United States (IPURN6244W201000000) from 1988 to 2024 about day care, healthcare, social assistance, health, NAICS, IP, child, services, employment, and USA.

Between 2018 and 2019, nearly 26 percent of children and adolescents aged 12 to 17 years in the United States received mental health services. This statistic illustrates the percentage of children and adolescents in the U.S. who received any mental health treatment or services from 2013 to 2019, by age.

In 2021, the percentage of children and adolescents who received treatment or counseling from a mental health professional in the past year varied across the United States. Vermont was the state with the highest percentage of children and adolescents who received mental health treatment, while Hawaii was the lowest. Across the U.S. the average rate was **** percent. This graph shows the percentage of children and adolescents in United States aged **** who received treatment or counseling from a mental health professional in the past 12 months as of 2021.

All NYC children are required to be tested for lead poisoning at around age 1 and age 2, and to be screened for risk of lead poisoning, and tested if at risk, up until age 6. These data are an indicator of the number and percentage of children turning 3 years old in a given year who were tested for lead poisoning.

About the Data All NYC children are required to be tested for lead poisoning at around age 1 and age 2, and to be screened for risk of lead poisoning, and tested if at risk, up until age 6. These data are an indicator of the number and percentage of children turning 3 years old in a given year who were tested for lead poisoning. How calculated: To identify children tested for lead poisoning, birth records for all children born in New York City to New York City resident mothers, and turning 3 years old in a given year were matched to children tested for lead poisoning before age 3.