posted on Friday, January 2, 2026 in General

Spencer Hospital’s Birth Center didn’t wait long to welcome the first baby of the New Year. Kyden Finley Heath arrived at 1:19 a.m. on January 1, 2026, earning him the distinction of being Spencer Hospital’s first baby of 2026.

Kyden was born to Kyla Heath of Spencer. “I made a joke about him being the New Year’s baby, but was shocked when it became a reality,” Kyla shared.

Baby Kyden weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces, and measured 20.5 inches long at birth. Kyla chose Kyden’s middle name, Finley, as a meaningful tribute to his great-grandfather, whose middle name was also Finley.

The delivery went smoothly, and Kyden was delivered by Dr. Amy Jochims of Avera Medical Group Spencer at the Spencer Hospital Birth Center.

Kyden is welcomed home by his mother, Kyla Heath of Spencer, his grandmother Carmen Heath, and his siblings Noah, Nevaeh, Novah, Alexandria, and Izabella.

In honor of being Spencer Hospital’s first baby of 2026, Kyden received a special gift basket from Spencer Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop volunteers. The basket included baby items such as books, toys, a baby’s first holiday blanket, and more.

Spencer Hospital’s Birth Center is proud to help families welcome new life and celebrate special milestones like the first baby of the New Year.