In a recent study, it was found that “an adequate supply of diapers may prove a tangible way of reducing parenting stress, a critical factor influencing child health and development.”
1 in 3 American families struggle with being able to afford the appropriate amount of diapers for their baby. So between you, and the neighbors on either side of you, it is likely that one of you is having difficulty in providing clean diapers to a child.
But how exactly does “struggling” to buy diapers increase stress, health complications of the child, and possibly increase their chances of abuse? Let’s paint a picture of how this could occur, and often does in our society:
A new set of parents bring their baby home from the hospital. They already weren’t in the best financial position, and they now have a baby, furthering their financial strains. They bring home the diapers that the hospital gave them, and quickly use them up. They move on to the small stash hidden away in the closet. Some of these they purchased, and some they got from their baby shower. They thought it would last much longer.
They are struggling to feed themselves and their 3-year-old, to put gas in the one car they share for work, and get change together every week to go to the laundromat. As they see their stacks of diapers dwindling, they start to think “Well, the baby only peed once in the diaper, they can wait a little bit longer.” Then they start to stretch that time out more and more until suddenly, they find themselves only using one diaper a day.
They are down to their last few diapers.
Payday is still a week away and they were trying to stretch this pack out until then. The baby poops 5 times that day and they change the diaper each time. The parents scramble around to find enough money to buy one more pack of diapers. They manage to get the exact amount by forgoing laundry this week. But this pack, they have to make last. Now, when the baby poops, they try to wipe it out as best they can, or dump it in the toilet, and then put it back on the baby. They can’t afford to have the baby going through that many diapers or someone is going to bed with an empty stomach. The mother had problems breastfeeding and ended up switching to formula which she receives from WIC. But there are no government programs that provide or assist with diapers for babies, so she she is running out of options.
This cycle continues, and now the baby’s bottom passes the stage of diaper rash and is now raw with open sores. The cream they had gotten from the baby shower is no longer working. The parents cannot afford a copay to see the doctor, so they do the best they can with some home remedies to help alleviate the baby’s pain, but nothing is working. The baby is crying all the time, the toddler is complaining that they are hungry, the parents are running out of gas in the car, and once again, payday is a week away. The stress of the parents builds and builds…
You can continue to imagine the rest. This problem is not limited to just low-income families. Sometimes people just find themselves in a terrible financial position, and it can happen suddenly to any one of us. These parents deeply love their children, but they reach the point of despair, desperation, and something’s got to give. This takes its toll on the emotional, physical, and mental stability and well-being of the entire family unit. It’s not fair. And stories like this one, and so many others can be prevented.
A typical infant with a healthy amount of diaper changes, will go through about 12 diapers per day. A toddler will go through about 8 diapers per day. Of course this number can increase due to illness. The average cost of diapers is $70-80 per month, per child.
In Hampton Roads, the Greater Hampton Roads Diaper Bank receives requests for over 100,000 diapers per month. They are working hard to fulfill the many requests they receive from families and currently are able to provide about 28,000 diapers per month to local families. While this amazing organization is definitely making a difference, there is a HUGE disparity in the need vs. the supply.
How can you help?
On May 22nd, Hampton Roads Doulas is presenting the No Child Wet Behind Diaper Drive, 5K run, and 1 Mile Family Fun Run at Mount Trashmore in Virginia Beach. This is a national event that takes place on the same weekend all across the country. No Child Wet Behind is a non-profit, 501c3 company that made this vision possible. They are committed to providing diapers to the families and babies who need them, and helping others facilitate that in their communities.
If you or someone you know likes to participate in races, then direct them to sign up for the official, timed, 5K, or 1 Mile Family Fun Run…or both! J & A Racing will be the timing company for the event, and they have been phenomenal in their support.
If you or someone you know is interested donating diapers, they will directly benefit the GHR Diaper Bank. They accept all sizes (including adult) and brands of disposable diapers. Even open packages/boxes are acceptable!
If you would like to make a financial donation, that is absolutely accepted and encouraged. It is also tax deductible. Monetary donations can be even more beneficial to the diaper bank because they can purchase diapers at a much lower cost than the public can.
The Details:
-The race and vendor fair to benefit this amazing cause will be on Sunday, May 22nd, at Mt Trashmore in Virginia Beach!
-The event is from 7am-12pm.
-The 5K race starts at 8am (packet pick-up will be open at 7am, and also available on Saturday, May 21st, 2016 at Fleet Feet between 1-6pm).
-The 1 Mile Family Fun Run starts at 9am.
We can’t wait to see you there! Let’s get a LOT diapers on those cute little tushies!!!