Status: Improving
Most Recent Data:
5.4
infant deaths per 1,000 live births
(2021)
Target:
5.0
per 1,000
Desired Direction:
Decrease desired
Baseline:
5.8
infant deaths per 1,000 live births occurred within the first year of life in 2017
Reduce the rate of infant deaths within 1 year of age
Data Source: Linked Birth/Infant Death Data Set, CDC/NCHS
Summary
Every year in the United States, thousands of infants die from causes like preterm birth, low birth weight, and sudden infant death syndrome. Although the rate of infant deaths has fallen over the past decade, there are disparities by race/ethnicity, income, and geographic location. Equitable, high-quality care for moms and babies and community-based interventions can help reduce the rate of infant deaths.
Topic: Infants
Workgroup: Maternal, Infant, and Child Health Workgroup
