NEST Initiative
Supporting Parents from Day One
Welcoming a new baby should be a time of joy. But for many families, the first days at home bring immediate financial pressure. Diapers, wipes, postpartum supplies and other essentials add up quickly.
Through the NEST Initiative, Kits are delivered to families to support the critical first weeks after birth. Each includes newborn and maternal care supplies, practical tools, helpful guidance and connections to trusted resources—giving parents the support they need so they can focus on caring for their new child.
The Need
The first weeks of a baby’s life are among the most important for both the child and their parents. Yet for many families, especially those living in underserved or rural communities, access to essential childbirth recovery and infant supplies can be limited.
The NEST Initiative prioritizes support for families with the greatest need—including those living in counties identified as maternity care deserts or areas with limited maternity services—ensuring parents receive the supplies and information they need during the earliest days of a child’s life.
By providing essentials and trusted guidance for both mom and baby, NEST helps reduce stress for parents and support healthy beginnings. Each Kit includes:
- newborn care supplies such as diapers, wipes and hygiene items
- maternal care products that support postpartum recovery
- nutrition guidance for mom to support recovery and lactation
These simple resources can make a meaningful difference during a family's earliest days together.
Double Your Impact
Expanding the NEST Initiative
The CDC Foundation is a proud partner in this effort led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Launched by HHS in 2023 as the Newborn Supply Kit pilot, the program has already supported thousands of families during their earliest days at home. Early evaluations show meaningful impact—reducing financial and emotional stress for parents and strengthening trust in the systems working to support them.
In 2026, the CDC Foundation is partnering with HHS to further develop and expand this initiative. By leveraging the momentum created by the NEST Act, this partnership amplifies ongoing national efforts to improve access to essential newborn and postpartum supplies.
With the help of donors and partners, the CDC Foundation is working to expand this effort and reach even more families.
How Your Support Helps
Your gift helps deliver essential supplies to families welcoming a new baby.
Helps provide essential postpartum supplies that support healing and comfort during recovery, helping reduce stress in the earliest days after birth.
Helps provide core newborn supplies such as diapers and wipes that families rely on in the first weeks at home.
Helps deliver postpartum recovery items, newborn supplies, maternal and infant care and hygiene items such as a thermometer, burp cloths and basic clothing, plus practical tools that help families navigate the first weeks with confidence.
Helps extend the reach of the NEST Initiative, helping deliver critical supplies and support to more families in underserved and rural communities.
“This is one of the best programs for our moms. There is nothing but a really, really positive response from every mother. Our staff feel like it's a twofold thing for our patients–they can give them supplies they need but then it’s also an opportunity for a discussion between staff and the patient. It’s an amazing resource.”
- NEST distribution partner
Support New Families
Every parent deserves the chance to begin their journey with the essentials they need to care for themselves and their newborn.
Donate today to help deliver NEST Kits to families across the country.
We are grateful to the following funders who make this work possible.
- Elaine and John Chambers
If you are interested in discussing partnership opportunities related to this initiative, including in-kind product donations, please reach out to us at advancement@cdcfoundation.org.
This work aligns with broader efforts led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to expand access to Kits through the Newborn Essentials Support Toolkits (NEST) Initiative. No funds are exchanged between the CDC Foundation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support these activities and any funds raised by the CDC Foundation are managed independently and do not constitute endorsement by HHS.