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.
The program will roll out first in hospitals that serve large numbers of Medi-Cal patients and then expand over time. To find out if your hospital is participating, you can ask your doctor, nurse, or hospital social worker.
If your hospital is not currently participating, you will not receive diapers. You can ask your hospital if they plan to join the Golden State Start program in the future. Families may also call the state of California’s 24/7 information and referral service, 211 California, or visit www.211California.org to find additional local resources.
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 the program. Your care team may be able to connect you with local resources for other essentials. Families may also call the state of California’s 24/7 information and referral service, 211 California, or visit www.211California.org to find additional local resources.
The program does not provide additional free diapers beyond the initial 400. However, hospital staff may connect you with additional local resources. Families may also call the state of California’s 24/7 information and referral service, 211 California, or visit www.211California.org to find additional local resources.
Please visit www.Baby2Baby.org/GoldenStateStart to complete a hospital inquiry form.
