Every baby born at Natividad Medical Center now receives 400 free diapers, thanks to the Golden State Start program.  

The hospital is one of the first in California to provide this benefit to new parents. There is no paperwork, no income limits and no forms to fill out. Every family who gives birth at Natividad July 13, 2026, and later qualifies. 

“With nearly half of Monterey County families choosing to have their baby at Natividad every year, Golden Gate Start is helping us put free diapers right into the hands of thousands of families,” said Natividad Interim CEO Nancy Buscher, DNP. “We’re proud to partner with this program so parents can focus on what matters most — caring for their new baby.”

Golden State Start is an initiative of the State of California. The first-in-the-nation program provides free Baby2Baby diapers to all newborns at participating California hospitals or healthcare organizations. An average baby uses 400 diapers in its first four to five weeks. 

Baby2Baby, a leading national nonprofit organization headquartered in California, administers the program and produces the diapers. In its first year, Golden State Start is expected to distribute about 40 million diapers in newborn size and size 1 statewide to 100,000 infants. 

Soledad resident Katy Romero went home with 400 diapers after giving birth to her daughter at Natividad. The mom of six said she’s been buying diapers for the last 17 years. “Diapers are one of the most expensive things that a parent has to buy,” she said. “This is a big help.” 

Many families worry about having enough diapers. According to the National Diaper Bank Network, a nonprofit that researches the prevalence and impacts of diaper insecurity, about half of all American families say they struggle to afford diapers. Diapers typically cost $80 to $100 per child per month. Many families must choose between buying diapers and paying for food, rent and other necessities. This challenge can also lead to babies spending too much time in wet diapers, which can cause rashes or infections. One in four parents miss work or school because they can’t afford the diapers required to leave their baby in childcare. 

Fortunately, ensuring families have an adequate diaper supply truly makes a difference. Research from 2025 showed that when families received diapers from diaper banks, incidents of diaper rash dropped by 41% and severe rashes were reduced by half. 

Founded 140 years ago, Natividad has long been the hospital of choice for families. Many expecting moms also receive prenatal care and testing services. The hospital supports a range of birth plans, and its staff have expertise in everything from low-intervention natural births to high-risk pregnancies. 

As an essential health system and Level II Trauma Center, Natividad serves everyone in Monterey County with high-quality, safe care. The hospital holds four consecutive “A” grades from the Leapfrog Group for patient safety. Natividad is also designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care by Blue Cross Blue Shield and is a Baby-Friendly USA hospital. The Monterey Herald’s Salinas Valley Readers’ Choice has chosen Natividad as first place for Best Hospital in Salinas four years in a row. 

“The Golden State Start free diaper program is part of our hospital’s promise to support all families equally, with care and respect from day one,” said Chief Ancillary and Support Officer Andrea Rosenberg. “Natividad is excited to help families in Monterey County and the Salinas Valley get the resources they need for a healthy, happy start.” 

For more information about prenatal care, having your baby at Natividad or breastfeeding support, visit natividad.com or call 831-755-4111. 

About Natividad 

Natividad is a hospital and trauma center providing compassionate high-quality health care to everyone, regardless of ability to pay. Located in Salinas, Calif., Natividad is a public health care system offering a wide range of inpatient, outpatient, emergency, diagnostic and specialty medical care for adults and children. Founded in 1886, the 172-bed medical center has about 11,000 admissions and 60,000 emergency visits annually. Home to the area’s only Level II Trauma Center, the hospital’s specialized personnel, equipment and services provide a vital local community service that saves lives and keeps patients close to home. Natividad’s Baby-Friendly® facility delivers nearly 2,200 babies every year and is affiliated with UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals. It also operates an accredited Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, giving the tiniest and most fragile babies the best chance for a healthy start. Through its UCSF-affiliated Natividad Family Medicine Residency, Natividad is the only teaching hospital in Monterey County. For more information, please call (831) 755-4111 or visit www.natividad.com.