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.