By Franklin Delgado
Governor Gavin Newsom announced an innovative program that will offer free diapers to families welcoming newborns in California hospitals. This effort is focused on alleviating the financial burden many families face in a state with a high cost of living.
“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,” Newsom said in a statement.
This pioneering program in the country, during its first year, will be offered in between 65 and 75 hospitals that attend approximately a quarter of the births in the state and that mostly serve low-income patients, review Linked Press (AP).
It was announced that this initiative will be extended to more hospitals throughout the state. California has partnered with the nonprofit Baby2Baby to manufacture the diapers under the “Golden Order Originate” brand.
Financing and benefits
It is anticipated that each family will receive 400 diapers, which is equivalent to more than a month’s supply.
The state allocated $7.4 million in last year’s budget and has proposed an additional $12.5 million for the next fiscal year, ensuring the program will expand to more hospitals in the future.
Comparison with other states
California joins the efforts of other states, such as Tennessee and Delaware, that have also implemented free diaper programs for low-income families.
However, California’s Medicaid system does not cover diapers for newborns, making this initiative even more significant.
Experts have noted that the cost of diapers can lead to health problems for babies, and this program is designed to help families have a more stable and healthy transition to life with a newborn. According to state Health Secretary Kim Johnson, the program is aimed at focusing the first days at home on family connection, not financial worry.
Requirements to qualify for the program
This program, which prioritizes facilities that serve Medi-Cal (low-income) patients, begins in June 2026.
Golden Order Originate Requirements
- The baby must be born at a participating smartly being facility (does not apply to births at home or outside of these centers).
- Automatic delivery upon hospital discharge, without cost or verification of financial eligibility.
- Available to all families, with an emphasis on low-income areas.
Additional local programs
Other non-state programs, such as those of Catholic Charities or centers in Los Angeles/Orange, do have specific requirements for children ages 0-5:
- Proof of identification, income, address and birth certificate.
- Participation in programs such as WIC/SNAP (which do not directly cover diapers).
- Distribution monthly or by appointment, while supplies last.
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