diaper need facts
WHAT IS DIAPER NEED?
Diaper need is the lack of a sufficient supply of diapers to keep a baby or toddler clean, dry and healthy. According to the National Diaper Bank Network, 1 in 3 U.S. families experience diaper need.
- Disposable diapers can cost up to $100 per month, per child
- Infants require up to 12 diapers per day, toddlers about 8
- Programs such as WIC (Women Infants and Children) and SNAP (commonly known as "food stamps) cannot be used to purchase diapers
DIAPER NEED IMPACT ON U.S. FAMILIES*
- 48% borrow money from family/friends
- 40% keep their child diaperless
- 39% stretch diaper use by keeping a child in a diaper longer
- 30% get diapers from a diaper bank or charity
CONSEQUENCES OF DIAPER NEED
- Babies who remain in a soiled diaper too long are exposed to potential health risks such as skin infections, urinary tract infection, discomfort or pain.
- Diaper need can impact the mental well-being of children and their families. Children become irritable and fussy, which can lead to maternal frustration, guilt and embarrassment.
- Most childcare centers require parents to provide a day's supply of disposable diapers; therefore, many parents cannot go to work or school if they can't leave their babies at a child care center.
ADDRESSING DIAPER NEED
- A study of diaper need in the U.S. and Canada conducted by Huggies, revealed that mothers who experience diaper need were often short 11 to 12 diapers each week.
- As best practice and recommended by the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN), we intend to distribute 50 diapers per child per month.
- More than a quarter of families in diaper need rely on diaper banks to help fulfill the diaper need gap.
*As revealed by the Diaper Need and Its Impact on U.S. Families study conducted by the National Diaper Bank Network and Huggies.
