What is Diaper Need?

Diaper need is the lack of a sufficient supply of diapers that is essential to keep an infant or child clean, dry, and healthy.

 Here are the facts.

• Diapers are as essential to a baby's healthy development. Keeping infants and toddlers clean, dry, and healthy is the key to building a solid foundation so that all children can reach their full potential.
• However, one in three families struggles to provide clean diapers for their baby and therefore experience a diaper need.
• In the U.S., there 5 million children, aged three or younger, living in poor or low-income families.
• Babies without clean diapers are exposed to more potential health risks and are less likely accepted to daycares, leaving parents unable to attend work.
• There is no state program that allocates dollars specifically for the purchase of diapers.
• Only one federal assistance program allows families to use money for diapers. However, this assistance also has to cover other expenses, such as rent, heat and electric, which in the end, leaves very little money left over to purchase the necessary amount of diapers needed to keep babies and young children clean, dry, and healthy. The average monthly federal assistance that a family of 3 receives is $477.
• 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, while toddlers require about 8.
• Disposable diapers can cost $70 to $80 per month per baby.

Fill the Gap

A “gap” occurs when the number of diapers that a child needs is not met by what the family can afford.  The average gap, per month, per child is 50 diapers. Covered Bottoms Diaper Bank is working to eliminate the diaper need by providing diapers to families in need.