HHS Introduces Newborn Essentials Support Toolkit Program for Mothers and Infants

By
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA)
October 9, 2026

United States Department Of Health And Human Services

At a Glance

Category	Detail
Condition	Support needs of families around childbirth
Key Mechanisms	One-time kit with newborn and postpartum supplies, maternal health items, reliable health information, and family resources
Target Population	Families with mothers and infants around childbirth, with priority for rural, medically underserved, and other communities with limited access to care and resources
Care Setting	Hospitals, federally qualified health centers, and other maternity-care organizations distribute kits during late pregnancy or near childbirth

Key Highlights

HHS introduced the Newborn Essentials Support Toolkit (NEST) Program on October 9, 2026, extending the Newborn Supply Kit initiative begun in 2023.
Each family receives one kit containing newborn and postpartum supplies, maternal health items, information, and resources.
Kit contents may include diapers and wipes, an infant thermometer, postpartum recovery and breastfeeding materials, and a blood pressure monitor.
The 2024 evaluation reported that 99% of surveyed recipients would recommend the kit, 76% said it reduced anxiety, and 72% said it lessened financial stress.
In 2026, HHS granted the CDC Foundation $5 million through HRSA to support NEST implementation.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

Management

Hospitals, federally qualified health centers, and other maternity-care organizations distribute NEST Kits during late pregnancy or near childbirth.
HHS directs NEST toward equitable geographic representation, with particular attention to rural communities, maternal care deserts, and other locations lacking adequate medical services.

Monitoring & Follow-up

Risks

Patient & Prescribing Data

Families with mothers and infants around childbirth; each family receives one kit.

Kits provide newborn and postpartum supplies, maternal health items, and information on postpartum health, infant safety and care, feeding and nutrition, and family programs and resources.