ZERO TO THREE

Last night’s State of the Union didn’t mention America’s babies. But they can’t be left out of the conversation.

Families are under pressure, and babies feel it.

We know what works. It’s time to Believe In Babies and act.

#BelieveInBabies

Here's the real State of Babies in the US:

-Babies made up 3.2% of the US population, but only 1.5% of federal spending in 2025

Babies can't vote, but the decisions being made in Washington will shape our future as well as theirs.

#StateoftheUnion #SOTU

The State of the Union starts with the State of our Babies. Here's the real State of Babies in the US:

- Child care costs more than rent in 33 states and DC.
- Early Head Start serves less than 11% of eligible babies.

#StateoftheUnion #SOTU

The State of the Union starts with the State of our Babies. Here's the real State of Babies in the US:

- Nearly 2 million are growing up in poverty.
- Hunger is still a reality for 2 million young children.


#StateoftheUnion

Yes, mental health includes babies.

After losing her baby brother, Nelwyn's older sister Keeva developed PTSD.
Nelwyn began to withdraw, too.
They needed care. But support was hard to find. She’s one of many.

Meet more babies. Hear their stories: https://bit.ly/3OkatrX

#BelieveInBabies

Shania wanted Cohen to have the childhood she never had.

Love wasn’t the problem.
Support was, until someone believed in her.

Believing in babies means believing in caregivers, too.

Watch their story. Become a believer: https://bit.ly/3OsLdjd

#BelieveInBabies

You were a baby once.
Someone believed in you.

Now it’s your turn.

Believe In Babies is a national storytelling movement for anyone who believes every child deserves a strong start.

Learn more. Get involved. Share your story: https://bit.ly/3OsLdjd

#BelieveInBabies

We're heading to @sxswedu.com 2026!

As federal funding tightens, states are stepping up. @mboteach.bsky.social will join leaders from MD and NM to share how states are reimagining early learning for educators and families.

Follow along from Austin next month: https://bit.ly/46zRn7k

Good news!

We’re extending the deadline to apply for Strolling Thunder 2026: https://bit.ly/4r0ICvp

If you’re a parent or caregiver of a baby or toddler (0–3) and want to help shape policies that give babies a strong start, there’s still time.

New deadline: Feb. 20

You don’t need to be an expert.
You don’t need the perfect words.
You just need your story.

It’s time to stand up for babies.

#StrollingThunder

Babies don't know if they live in Red states or Blue states. Delays to child care hurt families and our workforce. Tell Congress to tell the administration to release funds now: https://bit.ly/49TIW92

It’s time to stand up for babies.

Strolling Thunder 2026 is recruiting families with babies (0–3) to share their stories with Congress, virtually or in person.

Applications open now: https://bit.ly/4qeleu7

#StrollingThunder

Babies don’t know whether they live in a ‘red’ or a ‘blue state,’ but they will know if their families lose child care, can’t pay the heating bill or are closer to eviction. We urge the administration to immediately reverse this funding freeze & invest in our nation’s babies: https://bit.ly/4r3T1WX

Our $2 to $1 match expires December 31 at midnight. Please give what you can at our link in bio: https://bit.ly/4rej3Ye

Help parents get the support they need to stand stronger. This matching gift opportunity multiplies the power of your gift, allowing us to reach even more families in need.

The first three years are irreplaceable. As Walter Gilliam says, “Thank you for whatever you do to support children and families.”

Right now, your gift is matched $2 for every $1 you give by Walter and the ZERO TO THREE Board, tripling your impact.

Match ends December 31: https://bit.ly/4rej3Ye

Believing in babies means more than admiring their wonder.

It means standing with families and building a future where every child has the chance to thrive.

Thank you for believing in babies.

Happy Holidays from all of us at ZERO TO THREE.

Our offices will be closed from December 25 through January 1 for winter break.

While we're out, check out our Holiday Survival Guide for Parents of Babies and Toddlers, including one of our favorite cookie recipes: https://bit.ly/3XYeN1B

We'll see you in 2026!

Babies’ mental health is tied to their caregivers’. Healing starts early, with support for both. ZERO TO THREE helps families build strong relationships, because connection shapes the brain. It’s not just kind. It’s smart policy. – Lisa Mennet, PhD

Donate: https://bit.ly/4rej3Ye

We are all saddened by the loss of Rob & Michelle Reiner, and we extend our deepest condolences to their family, friends and the many people whose lives they touched through their unwavering commitment to young children and families. Full statement: bit.ly/48HUQCo

New Federal Hepatitis B Guidance Undercuts Newborn Health | ZERO TO THREE Gina Davis, gdavis@zerotothree.org, 202-864-2934 Morgan Brill, mbrill@westendstrategy.com 845-596-5328 WASHINGTON – ZERO TO THREE, a national nonprofit dedicated to ensuring all babies and toddlers ha...

Read the full statement: www.zerotothree.org/news/new-fed...

From Rahil Briggs, PsyD, national director,
@healthysteps.bsky.social, in response to the recent change in federal Hepatitis B vaccination recommendations for newborns:

The best gift for babies this year is stability. Families need your voice this holiday season. Send your wish list to Congress and speak up for what babies really need to thrive: https://bit.ly/48NIVTr

If a baby needs food and your first concern is fraud, you’re telling on yourself.

Our Safe Babies program helps more infants and toddlers stay safely with their families.

-72% of Safe Babies children are reunified with parents, compared to the national standard of 53%.
-Now in 17 more states, thanks to donors like you.

Donate today: https://bit.ly/4rej3Ye

Your dedication helps paint a world where babies come first and families have what they need to thrive.

Thank you for standing with us.

Wishing you a warm, healthy, and joyful Thanksgiving

After weeks of chaos and uncertainty, the government’s reopening means critical supports like health care, nutrition & early learning can resume. Congress: finish the job by keeping health care affordable & fully funding early learning, mental health and family support programs.

Governor Hochul announces first-ever New York State report on maternal mental health Governor Hochul has announced the release of New York State’s first-ever maternal mental health report.

Thank you @governor.ny.gov for being a steadfast advocate for babies and their families. We love seeing policymakers prioritizing maternal mental health and investing in proven programs like @healthysteps.bsky.social

Tell Congress: Babies Need Solutions Help push for the policies and programs babies need to thrive.

This is a crisis affecting the entire system. Children, families and the workforce that supports them. Congress, you need to work together to fund the programs and services babies need. Call, email, whatever it takes to get heard: thinkbabies.org/shutdown

Potential layoffs of early childhood staff compound the issues. The child care workforce is already stretched thin, and many educators are struggling to stay afloat. Now, assistance programs like SNAP are at risk due to the shutdown.

According to the National Head Start Association, as of November 1, 140 Head Start programs serving more than 65,000 children and families in 41 states and Puerto Rico have not received the federal grant funds necessary to operate.