Moms Helping Moms
DIAPER NEED
Diaper need is the lack of a sufficient supply of diapers to keep an infant or child clean, dry, and healthy.
It affects 1 in 2 families in the U.S.
Our Healthy Start for Babies Program collects and distributes diapers and other essential baby care items to underserved families across New Jersey through our network of over 90 partner organizations.
Diaper Need Facts
- 5.2 million babies and toddlers under the age of 3 live in poor and low-income families.
- Government safety-net programs do not recognize diapers as a basic need.
- Diapers cannot be obtained with food stamps, and are classified with cigarettes, alcohol and pet food as disallowed purchases.
- Diaper need impacts the physical, mental and economic well-being of children and parents.
- Most child care centers require parents to provide a day’s supply of disposable diapers (four to six changes per day). Many parents cannot go to work or school if they can’t leave their babies at child care.
- Infants require up to 12 diapers per day, at a cost of $70 to $80 per month per baby.
- The poorest 20% of Americans who buy diapers spend nearly 14% of their post-tax income on diapers.
Source: National Diaper Bank Network