California has become the first US state to offer a month's supply of free diapers to all newborns, Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Friday. The programme, called Golden State Start, will initially be available at 65 to 75 hospitals that handle about a quarter of births in the state, primarily serving low-income families. The state plans to expand it to more hospitals in the future.
Under the initiative, each family will receive 400 diapers in sizes for newborns and babies up to 14lb (6kg) upon discharge from hospital. This amount covers a little over a month's supply, as newborns typically require eight to ten diapers per day. The state has partnered with the non-profit organisation Baby2Baby to manufacture the diapers at 80% less than retail price.
California has allocated $7.4m in last year's budget for the programme, with an additional $12.5m proposed in this year's budget to fund it through June 2027. Governor Newsom stated that the initiative builds on the state's efforts to reduce living costs for families, including free school meals and universal preschool.
The announcement follows similar programmes in Tennessee and Delaware, which offer free diapers to families enrolled in Medicaid. However, California's programme is the first to provide diapers to all newborns regardless of income. Diapers typically cost about $100 per month per child, and the lack of access can lead to health issues such as rashes and infections.
California Health Secretary Kim Johnson said the programme aims to reduce financial stress for new parents, allowing them to focus on bonding with their babies. The state's Medicaid system does not currently cover diapers for newborns, though it does for older children with medical needs.
