California unveils first-in-the-nation free diaper program for newborns

California will begin a first-in-the-nation program providing about 400 free diapers per newborn at hospital discharge, starting in 65–75 hospitals that serve many low-income families, with expansion statewide later. The diapers are produced by Baby2Baby under the Golden State Start label, funded by about $7.4 million in the prior budget and $12.5 million proposed for the 2027 fiscal year. The initiative aims to ease the ongoing cost of diapers (roughly $100 per month per child) and follows other California measures to support families.