This bill mandates that the Department of Children and Families (DCF) create and maintain an easily accessible webpage that provides information about a program offering baby boxes and safe sleep education for expecting and new parents. The DCF is required to update this information regularly and ensure that a prominent link to the program is available on its website. Additionally, the DCF must collaborate with other state departments, including Health, Human Services, and Education, to ensure that the same information and links are also available on their respective websites.
The bill defines a "baby box" as a durable cardboard box filled with essential items for newborns and new parents, such as diapers and baby wipes, which can also serve as a safe sleep environment for infants in their early months. The initiative is part of a partnership between New Jersey's Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Board and The Baby Box Company, which provides free baby boxes to parents who complete an online parenting education course. The bill will take effect three months after its enactment.