A new study found Massachusetts the ideal state to have a baby. By providing a nurturing and safe environment for families, the Bay State empowers parents to welcome a child into the world, according to the study’s sponsor, WalletHub.

Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and more, the finance company ranked the 50 states and Washington, D.C., across more than 30 metrics like cost, healthcare accessibility and family-friendliness.

Massachusetts took the top spot, followed by North Dakota, Minnesota, New Hampshire and Maine.

The Bay State’s top-notch medical care contributed to the first-place ranking. Massachusetts is home to the best neonatal hospitals in the country for premature births or babies with health problems. It also boasts the third-lowest infant mortality rate and the eighth-lowest maternal mortality rate nationwide.

Parents in Massachusetts have ample time to care for their babies, thanks to the best parental leave policies in the nation.

The state has the sixth-lowest share of households with infants or toddlers experiencing food insecurity, and the second-highest share of children under three years old with all seven recommended vaccines.

Massachusetts outpaced every other state in family-friendliness and ranked second for baby-friendliness. The state’s safety and strong school systems help create a positive environment for families.

“The best states for having a baby minimize costs while providing top-notch care for both newborns and their mothers,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. “They also continue to be good environments for parents even long after the birth, with high-quality pediatric care, affordable and accessible childcare and a strong economic environment that makes providing for a child easier.”