California has become the first US state to provide a month's supply of free diapers to all newborns, Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Friday. The initiative, named '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 has partnered with the non-profit Baby2Baby to manufacture the diapers at a reduced cost.
Under the program, families will receive 400 diapers for newborns and babies up to 14lb (6kg) upon discharge from hospital. This covers a little over a month's supply, given that newborns typically use eight to ten diapers daily. The state allocated $7.4 million in last year's budget to launch the initiative, with an additional $12.5 million proposed for the fiscal year ending June 2027.
Governor Newsom stated, 'Every baby born in California deserves a healthy start in life – and that means making sure parents have the basics they need from day one.' The program aims to alleviate the financial strain of diapers, which cost about $100 per month per child, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The cost burden can lead to health issues such as rashes and urinary tract infections if diapers are reused or changed infrequently.
California's move follows similar but more limited programs in Tennessee and Delaware, which offer free diapers to families enrolled in Medicaid. California's Medicaid system does not currently cover diapers for newborns, though it does for enrollees aged five and older with a medical need. Health Secretary Kim Johnson said, 'The first days at home with a newborn should be focused on love and connection, not stress about affording diapers.'
