When you have a baby, diapers are a must-have item. However, diapers can be expensive. If you're struggling to afford them for your baby, some resources may be able to help.
What is Diaper Need?
Diaper need is when a baby or toddler does not have a sufficient supply of diapers to be kept clean, dry, and healthy. Experts estimate that the average cost for one month of diapers for a child is around $75.00. Many children in the United States — just shy of half — live in low-income families who can't afford diapers every month.
While many of these families receive government benefits like WIC or SNAP, these programs don't allow those resources to be used for hygiene products, including diapers.
COVID and Diaper Need
COVID-19 has increased the number of families who are having a difficult time affording diapers. The pandemic has not only caused job losses and financial strain but has also increased the number of parents who are now full-time caregivers to young children due to school and daycare closures.
Before the pandemic, one in three families struggled to afford diapers for their children. Across the United States, many diaper banks and community resource organizations have seen that number grow.
Why are Diapers Important for Babies?
Access to a plentiful supply of clean, properly fitting diapers is important to babies and to their caregivers.
Sometimes, parents or caregivers who can't afford diapers wait as long as possible between diaper changes to maximize the supply of diapers that they have. This can be harmful to your baby. Not changing your baby's diaper frequently enough can cause diaper rash and urinary tract infections.
Diaper rash, also called diaper dermatitis, can cause a range of symptoms from mild to severe. When it is caught and managed early, it usually only causes mild irritation and discomfort. If the diaper rash is not treated, it can cause:
- Cracked skin
- Bleeding
- Bacterial skin infection
- Fungal skin infection
Why are Diapers Important for Adult Caregivers?
The danger of overly dirty diapers isn't limited to the babies wearing them. If urine or fecal matter is leaked around a home or shared space, it can spread disease to adults or other children. Some pathogens that can be found in a dirty diaper include salmonella, norovirus, E. coli, and listeria — all of which can cause illness.
A supply of clean, well-fitting diapers is often a requirement for childcare programs. Without diapers, babies may not be allowed in early education programs.
A lack of baby diapers has an impact on caregivers, too. Handling the messes of insufficient diapers and managing a baby who cannot be in childcare means these adults are often under- or unemployed. This contributes to a family's cycle of poverty.
Studies show that this situation is very stressful and has a negative impact on the mental health of caregivers and parents.
Diaper Banks
Diaper banks are similar to food banks. They're organizations in your community that offer diapers at no cost to families in need. Some are branches of a larger program like the National Diaper Bank Network. Others are smaller, state- or community-based organizations.
Diaper banks are usually funded by grants, federal funding, or private donations — or a mix of all three. While they're all different in exactly how they function, their goal is the same: eliminating diaper need in your community.
How to Find a Diaper Bank. There are a few ways that you can find a diaper bank if you can't afford diapers. If you have internet access, the National Diaper Bank Network offers a directory of member operations around the country on their website, or visit 211.org. Alternatively, if you have a phone, you can dial 2-1-1 to speak to an operator who can help you navigate the resources available in your community.
Other Community Resources
There are some other potential resources in your community that may be able to offer help if you need diapers, formula, or other basics for your baby and family. Some foodbanks offer basic hygiene items in addition to food. Contact a local food bank in your community and ask if they have diapers available or if they're aware of a local program that does.
Some religious organizations offer diaper resources to their communities. Contact a local faith group to ask if they have a similar program or if they're aware of one who does.
You can ask your child's doctor or a local public health office about resources as well. They will be able to direct you to community resources that can offer help if you can't afford diapers for your baby.
