The Diaper Need Problem & How You Can Help
July 26, 2016Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for AWHONN through the Mom It Forward Blogger Network. All opinions are mine alone.
As mothers, we want to provide everything for our children. From the moment our babies are born, we try to anticipate their needs and give them everything they need. From comfort to milk to diapers, babies rely on us to fulfill their needs.
Did you know that many mothers throughout the country cannot afford to buy diapers? In fact, 1 in 3 families in the United States experience diaper need, which is not having enough diapers to keep a baby clean, dry, and healthy. What’s quite surprising is that researchers from Yale University discovered that not having enough diapers was more stressful to moms than not having a place to live! Isn’t that shocking?
Diaper need is a real problem in our country, but I’m going to tell you how AWHONN is trying to bridge that gap… and how you can help!
Not having enough diapers for a baby is a serious problem with real consequences. In fact, babies are prone to developing a severe diaper rash and potential infection from wearing soiled diapers for extended periods of time. When children enroll in daycare, parents often have to provide a supply of diapers. However, if the family cannot afford to purchase a diaper stash for daycare, the infant may have to withdraw from childcare. Sometimes, this means that mom or dad will need to quit their job to stay home with baby. Clearly, this domino effect can be quite devastating to families.
However, there is hope for those struggling to afford diapers for their babies. AWHONN’s Healthy Mom&Baby, Huggies®, and the National Diaper Bank Network have partnered together to close the diaper gap. This year’s goal is to collect at least 250,000 diapers, and you can help them reach this worthwhile goal!
From July-August 2016, consider donating to the Healthy Mom&Baby Diaper Drive! Parents will already be purchasing traditional school supplies (pens, notebooks, etc.) during this back-to-school time. Why not throw in an extra box of diapers? You can even donate directly to DiaperDrive.org to make an impact! A mere $20 donation is equivalent to two weeks of diapers to allow a child to attend daycare or preschool.
From September–October 2016, during Diaper Need Awareness Week, help spread the word that there are over 5 million babies / toddlers living in low-income families. Many of these families struggle to purchase enough diapers regularly. Furthermore, public assistance programs, such as food stamps and WIC, are not eligible for purchasing diapers! So, consider donating diapers directly to the 300+ banks of the National Diaper Bank Network.
Oh, and if you do make any donations directly on a local level, make sure your donations count on the national level. Simply report your donation online at DiaperDrive.org:
- Simply visit DiaperDrive.org and click on “Report Diaper Donations.”
- Fill in the form.
- Optional: You can enter your name to be recognized.
- Check the box if you’re a nurse.
- Click Submit!
If you’d like to purchase diapers to be donated in my community locally, you can do so using Amazon Wish List! Anshe Emeth Community Development Corporation is a diaper bank in New Brunswick, NJ that provides diapers to families who are struggling with diaper need. Click here to visit their Amazon Wish List, where you can purchase diapers via Amazon to be sent directly to the bank. Simply add a pack of diapers from the list to your cart, proceed to check out, and be sure to select Anshe Emeth Community Development Corporation’s shipping address from the list. Your diapers will go straight to their door and be distributed to families right here in New Brunswick, NJ.
Now, learn more about how you can help with the Diaper Drive and tell me: Have you ever donated diapers to someone in need? Would you consider making a monetary donation to a diaper bank?
I’m not a mom but I know that not having enough diapers for a baby is definitely a serious problem. The Diaper Drive is such an awesome idea. No family should have to worry about having a lack of diapers for their little ones.
what a great way to pay it forward-never thought of diaper donations-but as you pointed out there are so many in need of them-seriously great idea!
I had 3 kids in diapers, I know first hand how expensive they are. My dad bought me a box of diapers when I had my third baby and he realized how much they cost. After that once a week he dropped off a huge box of diapers. Whenever there are diaper drives near me, I always donate.
I had no idea that diaper need was such a problem. I will definitely be donating diapers now. Thanks for letting us know about this issue.
Wow, I didn’t realize the statistics on how needed diapers are! The diaper drive is a great idea. It’s pretty simple to buy a box to help someone out!
What an awesome way to help families in need. You really do go through a ton of diapers as a parent.
I have a ton of cloth diapers so if I ever run out of disposable I am good to go! I think a diaper drive is a wonderful idea…. I do know so many people who struggle to afford diapers, or who run out often so I help when I can!
Holy wow, I had NO idea that this was a “thing”. We are couponers and collect items for free or cheap to donate when our budget permits but I had no idea there was a system in place to help us donate diapers. I am going to check out the link and see if this is possible in our area. Thank you!
I love this! Being able to donate a necessity like this for people in need is the best feeling. Such a great idea and great post!
I have never heard of a program like this before but it is a great idea! I love that this exists so we can help each other out in hard times.
The idea that a baby has to live without necessities breaks my heart. Thanks for sharing!
This is a great way to help families in need. Some of the simple things we take for granted others are doing without. So important to give back.
I love programs that are there to help families in need! This sounds like an awesome program
This is great they are doing this. I didn’t realize that this was such a crises. So sad.
I love when large companies set up programs like this! I hope there is one in my area! We have diaper drives at our YMCA and library that I like to donate to.
It’s so sad that there are people out there who can’t provide for themselves or their children. I’m so glad that there’s organizations and people who are willing to help.
Thanks for supporting our drive and raising awareness about diaper need!
Thank you! It was a pleasure participating in this campaign!