Bill > A4648

Introduced Session

This bill mandates that the Department of Children and Families (DCF) prepare and make available on its Internet website, in an easily printable format, information on infant mortality prevention devices, known as "baby boxes" and the program providing the devices to expecting and new parents. DCF would update the information whenever new information on the devices and program becomes available. DCF would also be required to post a website link to the program providing the infant mortality prevention devices or "baby boxes" on its website, and ensure that the link is easily accessible to the public, prominently displayed on the website, and updated as necessary. The bill stipulates that DCF would ensure, in consultation with all other State departments, that the information posted on its website is made available, and the website link to the program providing the infant mortality prevention devices or "baby boxes" is posted, on the website of every State department, and is updated as necessary. The Baby Box program was developed by The Baby Box Company to improve health outcomes for newborns and reduce the rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. "Baby boxes" are made of durable cardboard, filled with essential items for newborns, such as diapers and baby wipes, and are large enough to serve as a crib for the first few months of an infant's life. The use of "baby boxes" has been credited with helping Finland achieve one of the world's lowest infant mortality rates. New Jersey is the first state in the country to offer a universal baby box program to its residents. New Jersey's program, a partnership between the State's Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Board and The Baby Box Company, provides all expecting and new parents with a free "baby box" after the parents complete an online parenting education course. The program is funded through a grant from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and is anticipated to distribute approximately 105,000 "baby boxes" throughout the State in 2017.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Daniel Benson (D)*,  Pam Lampitt (D)*,  Eliana Pintor Marin (D)*,  Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D)*,  Blonnie Watson (D)*,  Gabriela Mosquera (D), 

Reported from Senate Committee with Amendments, 2nd Reading (on 12/04/2017)