HHS Introduces Newborn Essentials Support Toolkit Program for Mothers and Infants

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HHS introduced the Newborn Essentials Support Toolkit (NEST) Program on October 9, 2026, extending its Newborn Supply Kit initiative, which began in 2023.
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Each family receives one NEST Kit around childbirth, with newborn and postpartum supplies, maternal health items, and information on postpartum health, infant care, feeding, and nutrition.
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Hospitals, federally qualified health centers, and other maternity-care organizations distribute NEST Kits during late pregnancy or near childbirth, prioritizing underserved communities.
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Congress allocated funding in 2026, and HRSA granted the CDC Foundation $5 million to support NEST implementation and program evaluation.
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In a 2024 evaluation, 99% of surveyed kit recipients said they would recommend it to another new parent, 76% reported reduced anxiety, and 72% reported less financial stress.

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