Newport Hospital Greets Rhode Island's First 2026 Baby

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NEWPORT, R.I. — The arrival of a new baby in Rhode Island marked the beginning of 2026, as it took over 24 hours for the state to welcome its first infant of the year.

Lucy Szczepaniak was born at 3:30 a.m. on January 2 at Newport Hospital to parents Brynn Armstrong and Travis Szczepaniak. Nicole Searles, a spokesperson for Brown University Health, shared the news with 12 News.

According to Searles, Lucy weighed nearly 7 pounds and measured about 20 inches in length. Both the mother and the baby are in good health. This is the couple’s second child, indicating they are experienced in welcoming new life into their family.

The hospital staff celebrated the birth, which came just after midnight on New Year's Day. While this was not the first birth of the year in the region, it was one of the earliest and most notable.

12 News also contacted Care New England to ask if any other babies were born on New Year’s Day. A representative confirmed that there was at least one other birth, but declined to share specific details.

This event highlights the significance of early morning births, especially during major holidays like New Year’s Day. Many hospitals across the country see an increase in deliveries around this time, as some parents choose to have their children born at the start of a new year.

For families who are expecting, the timing of a birth can be both exciting and unpredictable. Some may plan for a specific date, while others rely on the natural course of labor. In this case, Lucy’s arrival was a perfect way to begin the year.

While the details of the birth remain private, the focus has been on the well-being of the mother and the newborn. Hospitals often take extra care in these situations, ensuring that both the mother and baby receive the best possible care.

As the year progresses, more families will welcome new members into their lives. Each birth is a unique story, filled with hope, joy, and anticipation for the future.

For those interested in following local news, updates from hospitals and healthcare providers can offer insight into the community’s health and well-being.