California will give new parents hundreds of free diapers for all newborns born in the state

California will give new parents hundreds of free diapers for all newborns born in the state

The program will supply each family at around 70 partnered hospitals with 400 diapers sized for newborns and babies up to 14 pounds

View 3 Images About 60% of low-income families struggle to afford diapers, according to the National Diaper Bank Network

California launched a first-in-the-nation program aimed at providing free diapers to all newborns in the state, an attempt by the exiting Gov. Gavin Newsom to ease the financial strain on families forced to choose between diapers and other essentials.

The Golden State Start, a program co-sponsored by California and the national nonprofit Baby2Baby, will distribute diapers to participating hospitals across the state, according to a news release from the governor's office. The effort comes as millions of low- and middle-income Americans struggle to adapt to rising costs exacerbated by the Trump administration's war with Iran and ongoing trade tariffs.

“California is taking on the cost of raising a family head‑on — delivering free school meals, making preschool free for every four‑year‑old, expanding after‑school programs, and now making sure parents leave the hospital with the basics their newborn needs,” Newsom said in a statement. “Every baby born in California deserves a healthy start in life.”

The program allows for each family at the partnered hospitals to receive 400 diapers sized for newborns and babies up to 14 pounds. Because newborns on average require eight to 10 diapers a day, the supply should last parents about a month, according to ABC News.

About 60% of low-income families struggle to afford diapers, many of which opt to change them less frequently in order to maximize their supply, according to the National Diaper Bank Network.

View 3 Images The program is one part of Newsom's broader CalRx initiative that seeks to make essential goods more affordable for Californians

The program will be offered at around 70 hospitals statewide during its first year, targeting the facilities that handle about a quarter of the state's annual births and serve a greater percentage of low-income parents. The program is slated to expand to more hospitals, though Newsom's office did not offer an immediate timeline.

California dedicated more than $7 million in last year's budget for the Golden State Start. This year, the budget proposal includes an additional $12.5 million.

The program is one part of Newsom's broader CalRx initiative that seeks to make essential goods more affordable for Californians.

Jennifer Siebel Newsom, a documentary filmmaker and wife of the California governor, said the initiative will bring immediate relief for families, allowing them to focus on caring for their newborns.

View 3 Images The program will roll out to around 70 hospitals that handle about a quarter of the state's annual births and serve a large percentage of low-income parents

"California families deserve to feel supported during one of life’s more exciting, yet vulnerable transitions," she said in the news release. "Together with Baby2Baby, we can ease the financial burden on California parents while supporting healthier outcomes for babies and their mothers."

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California Health Secretary Kim Johnson said families will feel the impact of the program during the earliest days of caring for their newborns.

“The first days at home with a newborn should be focused on the love, connection, and joy of an expanded family, not stress about affording diapers,” Johnson said. “This program helps ensure families can begin that journey with greater stability and peace of mind.”