Diaper Need
What is diaper need?
The lack of a sufficient supply of diapers to keep a baby clean, dry and healthy.
Facts about diaper need
- 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 food stamps.
- Disposable diapers cost $70 to $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.
Negative Consequences
- Babies who remain too long in a soiled diaper are exposed to potential health risks.
- Most childcare centers, even free and subsidized facilities require parents to provide a day’s supply of disposable diapers.
- Cloth diapers are not accepted at the vast majority of child care centers.
- Many parents cannot go to work or school if they can’t leave their babies at child care.
