The Newborn Essentials Support Toolkit (NEST) Program is an HHS-led maternal and infant health initiative that provides families with a one-time Kit of essential newborn and postpartum supplies, maternal health items, and trusted information and resources at or shortly before birth.
Each Kit is designed to support both mom and baby during the first days and weeks after birth, with items such as diapers and wipes, an infant thermometer, postpartum and breastfeeding supplies, a blood pressure monitor, and practical information on maternal health, infant care, feeding, safety, and available supports.
Families receive Kits through participating hospitals, health centers, and other trusted organizations that already care for mothers and infants. At this time, NEST is not a direct-to-consumer benefit, and HHS does not mail Kits directly to individuals.
The Newborn Essentials Support Toolkit (NEST) Program is a national initiative led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and implemented through a public-private partnership model.
NEST brings together government, nonprofit, private-sector, and local health care partners to provide mothers and newborns with practical support, useful health information, and a stronger connection to care at a consequential moment for families.
Private-sector partners bring additional capabilities, expertise, and reach that can strengthen NEST implementation and help connect the program with more families and communities. HHS works with private-sector organizations whose capabilities align with NEST program needs and objectives.
As an implementation partner to HHS for NEST, the CDC Foundation supports private-sector engagement to help extend the reach and impact of the program. This work builds on the CDC Foundation’s broader maternal health efforts to support mothers at each stage of their journey by improving data collection and information sharing, educating and training health care providers, designing programs tailored to community needs, and evaluating and strengthening health care systems.
Public-private partnership is an important part of the NEST model. By bringing together federal leadership and public health expertise with the resources, capabilities, and community reach of nonprofit, private-sector, and local partners, NEST can extend its reach and deliver essential supplies and trusted information to families across the country.
Each NEST Kit includes a practical mix of essential supplies and trusted information to support both mom and baby during the first days and weeks after birth.
For Mom
- Postpartum recovery supplies
- Breastfeeding support products
- Blood pressure monitor
- Maternal health resources
For Baby
- Diapers and wipes
- Infant thermometer
- Swaddle
- Baby carrier
- Infant care and hygiene items
Information & Resources
- Postpartum health and warning signs
- Feeding and nutrition
- Infant safety and care
- Programs, benefits, and other support resources
The initial pilot phase of the Newborn Supply Kit Program distributed 30,000 Kits across 15 states (Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia).
During the pilot, Kits were distributed to families receiving care at participating Federally Qualified Health Centers, hospitals or through community-based organizations in partnership with a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Baby2Baby.
We are developing new partnerships that will allow us to continue expanding the program so that more families can have access to these Kits after the birth of their new baby.
Looking for a NEST Kit?
At this time, HHS does not provide NEST Kits directly to individuals and cannot accept requests for Kits from families. NEST Kits are distributed only through participating hospitals, health centers, and other approved local organizations.
News
Supporting Families from the Start
November 24, 2025 | BLOG
Supporting Families in Moments that Matter: Newborn Supply Kit Pilot Results Show Reduced Emotional and Financial Stress for New Moms and Improved Trust in Government
October 28, 2024 | BLOG
Newborn Supply Kit Shows Promising Early Results
December 04, 2023 | BLOG
How We Co-Designed the Newborn Supply Kit with Mothers: Supporting Families in the Crucial First Weeks after Having a Baby
June 08, 2023 | BLOG
How to partner with us
Interested in partnering with the Department of Health and Human Services to support the NEST Program? Contact our Office of Strategic Partnerships team at NESTProgram@hhs.gov.
HHS works with public, nonprofit, and private-sector organizations in support of NEST and will consider potential collaboration opportunities consistent with program needs and applicable federal requirements.
All informational and educational materials included through NEST are developed and maintained by the U.S. Government. NEST does not include or distribute third-party materials, tools, services, telehealth offerings, or other external resources.
Please note: The contact information above is for organizations interested in partnering with HHS. At this time, HHS cannot provide NEST Kits directly to individuals or respond to individual requests for Kits.