Diaper need is the lack of a sufficient supply of diapers to keep an infant, child, or adult clean, dry, and healthy. * Diaper need is more than a footnote. Here are the facts:
- Nearly half (47%) of American families reports experiencing diaper need.
- 5.2 million children in the U.S. aged three or younger live in poor or low-income families.
- Infants require up to 12 diapers per day. Toddlers require about 8 diapers per day.
- Disposable diapers can 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.
- Most childcare centers - even free and subsidized facilities - require parents to provide a day’s supply of disposable diapers.