Above: New Year baby Conner James Kerr with parents Marisa and Shane Kerr
Across Sutter hospitals, families and care teams are celebrating the first babies of 2026. These joyful beginnings reflect more than tradition: they highlight Sutter’s nationally recognized commitment to maternal and newborn health. With birthing centers consistently rated High Performing for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report —thanks to low C‑section rates, strong breastfeeding support, low episiotomy rates, low rate of newborn complications and excellent outcomes— Sutter care teams combine evidence‑based practices with personalized care, so every birth starts on the strongest foundation.
Rosmery Mora Sotelo made her debut at Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital in the wee small hours of January 1, 2026.
And now, without further ado, here are some of the first babies born at Sutter hospitals in 2026:
Weighing 6 lbs., 6 oz. and measuring 19 inches, Conner James Kerr arrived 44 minutes into the new year at Sutter Roseville Medical Center. Conner is shown above with parents Marisa and Shane Kerr.
Rosmery Mora Sotelo was born at Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital shortly thereafter at 1:43 a.m. Proud mom and dad, Patricia Sotelo and Cesar Mora took home their 5 lbs., 15.6 oz., 18-inch bundle of joy, pictured at right.
Baby Viola Chen, with parents Lily and Jun Chen, was born at Sutter’s Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Berkeley.
In Berkeley, Viola Chen made her debut on New Year’s Day at 3:35 a.m. at Sutter’s Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. Viola, pictured at left with her parents Lily and Jun Chen, weighed 5 lbs., 7.5 oz. and measured 17.7 inches.
One of the first babies born in the northernmost part of the state, Cooper Hill arrived at Sutter Coast Hospital in Crescent City on January 2. Cooper weighed 8 lbs., 5 oz. and measured 21.5 inches. Happy parents Shawna Wilson and David Hill are pictured with Cooper, below left.
Noah Nita, below right, was one of the first babies was born on January 2 at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento. Noah weighed in at 9 lbs., 4 oz. and 21 inches long.
Noah Nita was one of the first bundles of joy to arrive at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento in the new year.
“Bringing a baby into the world should feel safe, personal and deeply supported. Across Sutter hospitals, our teams combine evidence‑based practices with the human touch, so every birth plan reflects a mother’s goals and clinical needs. With more than 26,000 babies born in our acclaimed birthing centers each year, families can count on best‑in‑class maternity care,” said Dr. Jill Foley, Women’s Health Service Line Chair, Sutter Health.
Cooper Hill, with parents Shawna Wilson and David Hill, was one of the first babies born at Sutter Coast Hospital in 2026.
“Congratulations to the families welcoming the arrival of the first babies of the New Year—what a beautiful way to begin!” Dr. Foley added.
