Image description: An infant wears light blue overalls, a white long-sleeved shirt, white socks and a blue bow while lying on their back on a crib mattress that is covered with a grey sheet.
On the heels of new data, Hamilton County Public Health, Cradle Cincinnati, Cincinnati Health Department and other local agencies are recommitting themselves to figuring out why many Hamilton County infants are dying before their first birthday – and sharing how our entire community can help prevent further infant deaths.
Data from Cradle Cincinnati’s newly released infant mortality report shows that while fewer local infants are dying compared to a decade ago, infant mortality rates throughout Hamilton County have increased since 2023 – particularly for Black babies. After hitting an all-time low, the infant mortality rate for Black infants has more than doubled over the past two years, shooting from 9.0 in 2023 to 21.0 in 2025. Preterm birth-related deaths among Black infants are especially startling, rising from 12 in 2023 to 22 in 2024 and 26 in 2025.
“Every data point represents a Hamilton County child – an infant dear to their family and to their community,” says Greg Kesterman, health commissioner at Hamilton County Public Health. “We’re losing too many babies, but by using the data as a guide and working together, our agencies are determined to find solutions.”
Key findings from the report on infant deaths in Hamilton County
- Hamilton County’s overall infant mortality rate jumped from 5.5 in 2023 to 9.3 in 2025.
- The overall number of deaths due to preterm birth has increased from 22 in 2023 to 41 in 2025. Locally, extreme preterm birth remains the leading cause of infant death, accounting for nearly half of all infant deaths.
- Unsafe sleep conditions caused 15 deaths in 2023 but jumped to 22 deaths in 2025. Of those, 73% involved the baby sleeping next to another person, and 55% involved the infant sleeping in an adult bed.
“Two years ago, Hamilton County celebrated its lowest infant mortality rate on record — proof that when our community commits to this work, it makes a difference. But today, we are once again seeing significant increases, and that’s something that should alarm every one of us,” says Dr. Meredith Smith, executive director at Cradle Cincinnati. “We are calling on every business leader, faith leader, elected official, healthcare provider, neighbor, and community partner to come to the table and commit to our moms and babies. We can turn this around, but it will take us all.”
Read Cradle Cincinnati’s report on infant deaths at cradlecincinnati.org/the-issues. For the report, Hamilton County Public Health, Cradle Cincinnati and Cincinnati Health Department analyzed local infant mortality data from 2025 and compared it to data from previous years.
Where families can find help in Hamilton County
Data from Cradle Cincinnati’s latest report is concerning, but leaders stress the power of collective action and resources available to Hamilton County families to help prevent infant deaths.
“Preventing infant deaths starts with getting the right resources to the families who need them most,” says Dr. Grant Mussman, health commissioner at Cincinnati Health Department. “We use a community-based approach to support those most impacted. From community health workers connecting mothers to care, to our Cribs for Kids safe sleep program, we are working with our partners to build a safety net that helps every child thrive.”
For assistance, check out the resources below as well as others throughout Hamilton County:
- Queens Village: The program provides a space for Black women of childbearing age to build community and find support through family events, postpartum groups, monthly gatherings, and wellness workshops. Find more information at https://bit.ly/qvcincyconnect.
- Pregnancy Pathway Program: Community health workers provide personalized care coordination for expectant mothers through pregnancy and the postpartum period. For more information, call 513.352.3081 or email HealthyPregnancy@cincinnati-oh.gov.
- Cribs for Kids: This initiative provides eligible families with a portable crib, safe sleep materials, and essential education to ensure a secure sleeping environment. For more information, call 513.564.BABY (2229), option 2.
For safety and to prevent infant deaths, pediatricians encourage parents and family members to practice the ABCs of safe sleep. Find additional resources on Cradle Cincinnati’s website.