Listen to this articleThe new year marked an even bigger milestone at several New Jersey hospitals, as parents welcomed the first babies born in 2026.
Saint Peter’s University Hospital, Virtua Health and Hackensack Meridian Health are among the health care providers to deliver the latest members of Generation Beta Jan. 1, 2026.
According to data from the New Jersey Department of Health (2020–2023), the Garden State typically averages around 101,000 births each year. NJDOH notes tracking birth rate patterns offers critical insights to understanding population growth and change.
In New Brunswick, Michelle Baldric and Michael Campellone welcomed daughter Gabrielle Faye at 12:06 a.m. New Year’s Day at Saint Peter’s University Hospital. The 7-pound 15-ounce delivery marks the Edison couple’s second child. “The New Year gave us a beginning that will never be forgotten. An experience that forever changed the meaning of the New Year for us,” they said.
In South Jersey, Virtua Health delivered its first baby of 2026 at 12:29 a.m. Parents Caitlyn and Mark, along with a big brother, welcomed Landon at 8 pounds 10 ounces and 20.25 inches long. Explained mother Caitlyn, the new Voorhees resident just missed her Dec. 31, 2025, due date.
Delivering the ‘best’
New Jersey improved its showing on the U.S. News & World Report Best Maternity Hospital 2026 ranking, with 27 Garden State facilities tops for maternal health.
Virtua said it delivers approximately 9,000 babies each year. Three system hospitals offer maternity services (Voorhees, Mount Holly, Our Lady of Lourdes in Camden). It also serves patients from the Virtua Midwifery Birth & Wellness Center.
Hackensack Meridian Health said it welcomed several babies across its extensive network. At Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair, Nova Nicole Norton arrived at 1:05 a.m.
Parents Naomi and Ezra Norton of Somerset welcomed the 6-pound 3-ounce baby girl, HMH said.
“The arrival of the first babies of 2026 is a joyous and exciting moment for all of us at Hackensack Meridian Health. It’s a powerful reminder of our mission: to provide the highest quality care to every mother and child,” said Robert Garrett, CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health.
