Why are Diapers Important?

Diaper need is the struggle to provide a sufficient number of clean, dry diapers to ensure that each diaper-wearing person can be changed out of wet or soiled diapers as often as necessary. An adequate supply of diapers is a basic need for all infants, as necessary for health and well-being as food and shelter. Adults and older children who are experiencing health issues that cause incontinence may also suffer from diaper need if they or their care takers cannot acquire an adequate supply.

• 5.3 million children in the U.S. aged three or younger live in poor or low-income families.
• 1 in 3 American families reports experiencing diaper need.
• Diapers cannot be obtained with WIC or SNAP benefits (food stamps).
• Disposable diapers cost approximately $80 per month per baby.
• No state or federal child safety-net program allocates dollars specifically for the purchase of diapers.
• Without transportation, buying diapers at a convenience store rather than a large “big box” store can significantly increase the monthly cost of diapers.
• Infants require up to 12 diapers per day, toddlers about 8.

• Babies who remain too long in a soiled diaper are exposed to potential health risks such as severe skin rashes, urinary tract infections, etc.
• Most childcare centers, even free and subsidized facilities, require parents to provide a day’s supply of disposable diapers (many don’t allow cloth diapers).
• Many families do not have access to laundry facilities in order to utilize cloth diapering solutions (e.g. those in homeless or transitional housing circumstances).
• Many parents cannot go to work or school if they can’t leave their babies at child care.