Minnesota parents who welcomed children this year will be able to apply for 2026 bonding leave through the state beginning on Wednesday.

Economic development leaders outlined the process Tuesday and said the move could help streamline applications. They’re hoping to stave off a “baby bump” of thousands of applicants accessing the portal when Minnesota’s paid family and medical leave program launches on Jan. 1.

“You're not going to see a massive influx on day one of folks that all broke their arm on Jan. 1 but you can see potentially an influx of folks that were eligible based on babies in 2025 so that's where the the reducing the bump helps out,” Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Matt Varilek said.

Minnesotans who had a baby or adopted a child in 2025 are el

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