Diaper Need Facts:
One out of three low-income families struggle to buy diapers. In the Berkshires, 3,000 children from birth to age 5 are receiving nutritional help from WIC and likely also have diaper need. Diapers are not covered by WIC or by food stamps, which classifies them with ci******es, alcohol, and pet food as disallowed items. Families without washers/dryers must rely on store-bought
diapers. If they lack gas money or a car, they must rely on expensive convenience stores. Children without a supply of diapers are not allowed at day care centers, so parents miss work when they can't supply them, thus losing money needed for their families. Diaper need was and even stronger predictor of resulting stress and mental health difficulties in parents than was food insecurity. (Smith, et al, Pediatrics, 2013) Parents who can't provide diapers feel guilty, powerless, frustrated, and depressed. Children who wear soiled diapers are at risk of rashes and infections; their irritable crying may also put them at risk for abuse or neglect from frustrated, depressed parents.
