A newborn or infant in the US may go through as many as two hundred diapers per month. With recent inflation, the largest increase in more than 40 years, diaper costs have climbed to 10% over last year’s numbers. The cost of diapers adds up for any family - and the hardest hit are the families of the more than 5 million babies in the US who are growing up in poor and low-income households.

The cost of diapers can reach as high as 16% of a family’s income when they’re living in poverty. Food stamps, Medicaid and other government programs don’t provide diapers or funding that families can use for diapers. On top of that, diapers are subject to sales tax in 29 states (including Washington), increasing the cost for families who are already strapped.

Having to make the choice between diapers and other necessities impacts babies’ health and families’ well-being: unchanged diapers can lead to health problems for babies, from diaper rash to urinary tract infections; studies show that lack of diapers is linked to maternal depression; and a baby with no diapers can’t go to daycare, impacting families’ financial stability.

This is a human rights issue that needs larger, longer-term and more sustainable solution. While there are positive trends, with many states doing away with the 'diaper tax’ in recent years, families are still struggling; diaper banks and community organizations are stepping in to fill a present need for so many families.

As postpartum doulas and lactation consultants, committed to the well-being of newborns and their parents, we’re honored to partner with Immigrant Mutual Aid Coalition this holiday season to get diapers to families living on the margins. We hope you’ll join us by making a donation today - text 503-898-0566 to arrange for a pick-up by a Bridgetown Baby postpartum team member.

Many thanks!

Sources: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/why-low-income-families-are-struggling-to-afford-diapers#audio; https://nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org/diaper-tax/; https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2022/07/21/as-prices-rise-the-push-to-end-diaper-taxes-grows; https://www.ednc.org/perspective-overlooked-diaper-need-for-nc-families/; https://earlylearningnation.com/2021/04/for-want-of-a-diaper-families-are-getting-lost-no-diapers-no-day-care-no-job/