California Diaper Program Faces Waste and Cost Controversy

California launched the Golden State Start diaper initiative, partnering with nonprofit Baby2Baby to give every newborn 400 free diapers, regardless of family income. The state allocated about $6.2 million for the distribution of 40 million diapers over two years.

State records flagged that the plan could waste supplies because the diapers were offered in limited sizes, and a competing bid promised more sizes and a direct‑to‑consumer option. Critics highlighted a viral claim that taxpayers were paying up to 50 cents per diaper, while the Newsom administration argued the cost is about 15.5 cents, with actual calculations showing roughly 18.5 cents per diaper plus additional agency costs.

The contract and competitive‑bid documents have not been released, prompting a formal audit request. Questions also arose about the involvement of Baby2Baby’s co‑CEOs, who are linked to Governor Gavin Newsom’s wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom.