Diapers have the power to change lives. An adequate supply of diapers is a basic need that significantly impacts the health of the community and creates a new approach to prevention by keeping babies warm, dry and healthy.
A Basic Need
Diapers are a basic need for infants, babies, and toddlers. They are just as essential to their health and wellbeing as food and shelter. But Diaper Need is real: nearly 1 in 2 families struggle to afford diapers to keep their babies clean, dry, and healthy. No family should have to worry about affording diapers for their infants and toddlers in our community, but too many do.
Child Health
Parents often are forced to choose between paying for food or buying diapers, and the stress of a decision like that takes a toll on the entire family.
Some parents have no choice but to leave their baby in a soiled diaper for extended periods or even reuse previously soiled diapers, which increases the risk of urinary tract infections, hepatitis, and severe diaper rash. It’s a terrible situation for any parent to be in, and that’s just the beginning.
The Cost
Diapers can cost $100 to $150 per month. For those who can only buy them at the corner store, they typically are even more expensive. And Medicaid; the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) do not cover the cost of diapers.
Opportunities
Lack of diapers can impede a child or family’s education and ability to work. Most daycares and early education programs require a full day’s worth of disposable diapers. If parents don’t have enough diapers to access child care, they must miss out on education opportunities and stay home from work.
“Low-income families of young children face many obstacles and, at the same time, want to be good parents. Something as basic as a diaper should not be a need that is unmet in a state like ours, in a country like ours. At the very minimum, we should ensure that families have what they need to care for our most vulnerable citizens.”
– Janet Stolfi Alfano, Executive Director
Health of
Mom & Baby
Diapers help improve the health and wellbeing of both mom and baby
Quality
Early Education
Diapers increase access to early childhood education opportunities
Economic Security
& Success
Having an adequate supply of diapers allows parents to go to work and school.