Chicago Celebrates First Newborns of 2026 with Excitement

As the clock struck midnight, Chicago hospitals welcomed the first newborns of 2026, an occasion marked by joy and community celebration. The first baby born in the area was Brandon Alexander Whittington, who arrived at 00:06:41 on January 1, weighing 7 pounds 13 ounces and measuring over 20 inches long. His parents, Shaniqua Jones and Brandon Antwon Whittington, celebrated this significant moment at Sinai Chicago Hospital.

The festivities continued shortly after, with Matthew Mindru being born at 01:46 at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Bolingbrook. Parents Ana and Serghei Mindru from Yorkville welcomed their first child, who weighed 6 pounds 13 ounces and measured 19.5 inches long, adding to the joy of the new year.

More New Arrivals Welcome 2026

At Advocate Christ Medical Center, the celebrations continued with the birth of Winona LaCount. Born at 00:50, she weighed a robust 10 pounds 6 ounces and measured 22.5 inches long. Her parents, Olivia Gorney and Ryan LaCount of Chicago, expressed their delight at welcoming their daughter into the world.

The first boy born at Advocate was Noah Robert Garcia, who arrived at 03:43. He weighed 7 pounds 3 ounces and measured 20 inches. His parents, Gino Garcia and Samantha Scuito from Joliet, chose to keep their baby photos private during this special time.

These births not only signify new beginnings for the families involved but also represent a collective sense of hope and joy within the Chicago community. As 2026 unfolds, the arrival of these newborns brings a fresh perspective and optimism for the months ahead. Congratulations are in order for all the parents, wishing them happiness and health in the new year.