Expanding a study of whether unconditional cash gifts positively impact the health and development of infants and toddlers in low-income U.S. families

This project will expand the content and analysis of the first federally funded randomized controlled trial testing causal connections between poverty reduction and the health and development of young children. Whether increasing parents' income will result in better health and developmental (cognitive, socio-emotional, and brain) outcomes for their children is unknown. This study, Baby's First Years, will fill that important gap in scientific knowledge. Specifically, RWJF funding will enable the broadening of health-related outcomes being measured to include the impact of an unconditional cash gift on maternal and child BMI by the child's third birthday; breastfeeding practices; work hours; paid and unpaid leave; child-care practices; and maternal mental health. The deliverables will include data gathering and analysis and dissemination of scientific findings via peer-reviewed journals and national conferences.