First 5 California Kit for New Parents Study

The First 5 California Kit for New Parents is a free resource designed to support new parents with essential information and tools. The kit includes parent handbooks on child development and health, children’s books, and practical items like an infant toothbrush and KN95 mask. Some counties added extra items, such as baby toys and thermometers. Available in multiple languages, the kit aims to help parents feel confident in caring for their babies. In this evaluation led by AIR, SPR received feedback from over 70 parents which indicated that resources like the California Parent Guide and What to Do When Your Child Gets Sick were especially useful. Many parents appreciated the children’s books, which promoted early reading and engagement. Suggestions for improving the kit included adding local resource guides and more baby supplies.