Golden State Start FAQs
Golden State Start is a California initiative that provides 400 free diapers to every baby born in participating hospitals, regardless of family income.
Baby2Baby is currently contracted for $6.2 million to distribute 40 million diapers statewide over the next year. This works out to a final cost of 15.5 cents per diaper.
The cost is 15.5 cents per diaper, which includes the manufacturing and warehousing costs, plus shipping to the hospitals for distribution.
Each infant is allocated 400 diapers, totaling 40 million diapers distributed statewide in the first year.
The current funding is designed to cover 25% of California births — approximately 100,000 infants — in the first year.
The 2025-26 State Budget included funding for a diaper initiative through a Request for Information (RFI) contract process and Baby2Baby was selected to provide and distribute diapers to California newborns.
No. Families do not need to apply, submit documents, or complete a separate enrollment form. If you deliver at a participating hospital, your baby will automatically receive Baby2Baby diapers through the Golden State Start program before you go home.
You will receive your Baby2Baby diapers around the time you are discharged from the hospital after giving birth. Each participating hospital will determine exactly when you will receive your diapers.
Golden State Start program is expanding with new hospitals joining the program weekly. We are initially prioritizing hospitals that serve a high percentage of Medi-Cal patients; we are also ensuring that there is participation in every corner of California. You can find the list of currently participating hospitals on the main page of Golden State Start: https://baby2baby.org/goldenstatestart/.
If your hospital is not currently participating, you will not receive diapers from Golden State Start. To assist with finding local organizations that may offer alternative diaper assistance resources in your community, please visit 211 California at www.211California.org.
No. Baby2Baby diapers are provided free of charge to families. The program is funded by the State of California and delivered through a partnership with Baby2Baby, so you will not be billed or asked to pay.
No. Receiving Baby2Baby diapers through the Golden State Start program will not affect your eligibility for Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, WIC, CalFresh, or any other public benefits. The diapers are an additional support, not counted as income or a replacement for existing programs.
The Baby2Baby diapers provided are created specifically for this initiative. Hospitals will provide newborn and/or Size 1 diapers.
Yes. The diapers provided are required to meet state standards for quality and safety, including absorbency and skin protection. The state works with Baby2Baby and manufacturers to ensure a consistent, reliable product suitable for newborns.
Golden State Start program specifically provides disposable diapers and does not offer a cloth diaper or brand-choice option.
Each baby born in a participating hospital is eligible. Families of multiples (twins, triplets, etc.) will receive a separate 400-diaper allotment for each newborn.
At this time, the Golden State Start initiative focuses only on diapers. Some hospitals or community partners may offer additional supplies like wipes, but those items are not provided by Golden State Start. Your care team may be able to connect you with local resources for other essentials. To assist with finding local organizations that may offer alternative resources in your community please visit 211 California at www.211California.org.
Golden State start does not provide additional free diapers beyond the initial 400. However, hospital staff may connect you with other local resources. To assist with finding local organizations that may offer additional diaper assistance resources in your community please visit 211 California at www.211California.org.
Hospitals interested in participating in Golden State Start are encouraged to contact Baby2Baby at goldenstatestart@baby2baby.org. Please provide your full name, contact email and phone number, hospital name and job title.
