Key Takeaways
- The first babies of 2026 have been born in Chicago-area hospitals, with several hospitals welcoming new additions in the early hours of the year.
- The first babies born in 2026 include Kendall Quinn, Brandon Alexander Whittington, Matthew, Winona LaCount, Noah Robert Garcia, Juliana Marie Poore, and Sofia Aylani.
- The babies were born at various hospitals, including Ascension Saint Alexius Women and Children’s Hospital, Sinai Chicago Hospital, UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Bolingbrook, Advocate Christ Medical Center, Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women’s Hospital, and Franciscan Health Olympia Fields’ Family Birth Center.
- The babies’ weights and lengths range from 5 pounds 5 ounces and 19.5 inches to 10 pounds 6 ounces and 22.5 inches.
Introduction to the First Babies of 2026
The first babies of 2026 have arrived in Chicago-area hospitals, marking the beginning of a new year and a new generation. As the clock struck midnight, families across the region welcomed their little ones, and hospitals were buzzing with excitement. The first baby of 2026 was born at Ascension Saint Alexius Women and Children’s Hospital in Hoffman Estates, where Kendall Quinn was born at 12:02 a.m. to parents Tye and Ian Buckley. Weighing 5 pounds 5 ounces and measuring 20 inches long, Kendall is the first of many babies to be born in the Chicago area this year.
Meet the First Babies of 2026
Following closely behind Kendall was Brandon Alexander Whittington, who was born at Sinai Chicago Hospital just six minutes and 41 seconds after midnight. Brandon weighs 7 pounds 13 ounces and is 20 inches long, and his parents, Ana and Serghei Mindru of Yorkville, were overjoyed at his arrival. Meanwhile, at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Bolingbrook, Matthew was born to parents Ana and Serghei Mindru at 1:46 a.m., weighing 6 pounds 13 ounces and measuring 19.5 inches long. These early arrivals were just the beginning, as hospitals across the region continued to welcome new babies throughout the morning.
More Babies Arrive in Chicago-Area Hospitals
As the morning progressed, more babies were born at hospitals across the Chicago area. At Advocate Christ Medical Center, Winona LaCount was born to parents Olivia Gorney and Ryan LaCount of Chicago at 12:50 a.m., weighing 10 pounds 6 ounces and measuring 22.5 inches long. Later, at 3:43 a.m., Noah Robert Garcia was born at the same hospital, weighing 7 pounds 3 ounces and measuring 20 inches long to parents Gino Garcia and Samantha Scuito of Joliet. Juliana Marie Poore was the first baby born at Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women’s Hospital, weighing 8 pounds 8 ounces and measuring 21.5 inches long, while Sofia Aylani was the first baby born at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields’ Family Birth Center, weighing 7 pounds 10 ounces and measuring 20 inches long.
A Time for Celebration
The arrival of these babies marks a special time for their families, who are celebrating the start of a new chapter in their lives. As the first babies of 2026, they will always hold a special place in the hearts of their loved ones, and their birthdays will be remembered for years to come. The hospitals where they were born are also celebrating, as the arrival of new life is always a joyous occasion. With their weights and lengths ranging from 5 pounds 5 ounces and 19.5 inches to 10 pounds 6 ounces and 22.5 inches, each baby is unique and special in their own way.
Conclusion
The first babies of 2026 have arrived in Chicago-area hospitals, bringing joy and excitement to their families and the medical staff who cared for them. As the year begins, these little ones will grow and thrive, and their families will cherish the memories of their first moments. With their arrival, a new generation has begun, and the future looks bright for these tiny tots. Congratulations to the parents and families of Kendall, Brandon, Matthew, Winona, Noah, Juliana, Sofia, and all the other babies born in the Chicago area on the first day of 2026!