The new study also underscored that families reporting diaper need encompass a wide array of ages, racial groups, and income levels. Of those identifying as in diaper need, 96 percent are under 45 years of age, with the majority (55%) between 25 to 34. Most respondents are married (65%). Two-thirds are employed, with 14 percent working multiple jobs to make ends meet.
Diaper need can cause even more problems:
-Increases economic hardship and high levels of stress in families striving to provide enough diapers and other necessities, including food, clothing, and housing. This impacts their physical and mental health.
-Increases health risks, such as more frequent cases of diaper rash and urinary tract infections (UTI) for babies and toddlers left in dirty or reused diapers for prolonged periods of time.
– Affects respondents’ ability to go to work and school. Almost three-in-five parents in diaper need (57%) missed work or school in the past month because they didn’t have enough diapers when dropping their children off at childcare, daycare or early education programs. On average, parents in diaper need missed work or school four days in the past month.
The NDBN and Huggies study sought to identify the effect on families who can’t afford the average cost of $18 a week for the six-to-ten diapers a baby needs daily–equal to an estimated 3,000 in the first year. When they’re short of diapers, two-in-five families (39%) said they stretch the diapers used by keeping a child in the same diaper longer. Research has found that this practice increases a child’s risk for skin rashes and urinary tract infections, among other serious side effects. Accordingly, the survey found that 54 percent of respondents in need took a child to the doctor to treat diaper rash, with one-in-four taking a child three or more times in the past year.
Individuals and organizations interested in helping families experiencing diaper need can visit a local diaper bank or even host a diaper drive with a neighborhood, school or local organization. The National Diaper Bank Network active membership includes more than 300 diaper banks, diaper pantries and food banks located in 47 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. To find a diaper bank near you, visit nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org.
