Join with AWHONN nurses to help the 47% of families in the United States who report diaper need to care for their infant or young child.
Food. Shelter. Diapers.
For babies, diapers are essential like food and shelter. According to the National Diaper Bank Network, diaper need is a growing problem in our country. A clean diaper means a happy baby, but according to data from The NDBN Diaper Check 2023: Diaper Insecurity among U.S. Children and Families, 1 in 2 U.S. families with young children cannot afford enough diapers to keep their infant or child clean, dry, and healthy.
Health Risks Of Diaper Need
Babies in need of clean diapers are more vulnerable to painful rashes and urinary tract infections that lead to more trips to see a healthcare provider. About 1 in 4 parents miss work or school because they can’t afford the diapers required to leave their baby in childcare. Clean diapers are a basic need of every baby and toddler.
Without clean diapers:
- babies are exposed to potential health risks and toxic stress
- mothers are at risk for increased maternal depression
- parents are unable to access childcare, which require a daily supply of diapers
- parents miss work or school
Did you know:
- Diapers cost upwards of $80 month for most families, but a $20 donation of diapers through the Healthy Mom&Baby Diaper Drive diapers a baby for a week through our partner, the non-profit National Diaper Bank Network
- Diapers can’t be purchased with WIC or food stamps, they’re excluded from public assistance
Nurses Diaper Their Tiniest Patients
But there’s hope: For as long as families have struggled with diaper need, nurses have stood in the gap by providing extra resources for the communities they serve. Nurses are there to teach families how to diaper their new babies and care for their skin.
Nurses also personalize health care for each family to be sure that their basic needs are met. When admitted to the hospital to give birth, a nurse will assess how a family may be affected by social determinants of health such as:
- Food insecurity: Ensuring food is consistent and healthy in the home
- Interpersonal safety: Living in a home and an environment that is safe
- Housing insecurity: Staying in a stable home that the family can afford
- Transportation insecurity: Being able to reliably get to healthcare services
- Utilities: Having electricity and water that are turned on and work well
Nurses can then assist with connecting families to community resources if needed.
At local AWHONN meetings, nurses discuss the needs of the families they serve and ways to make an even bigger difference in their communities.
Healthy Mom&Baby Diaper Drive
It was only natural that the magazine that nurses write for pregnant women would be the same magazine to create a national diaper drive to share the stories of nurses meeting diaper need in their communities all across the country.
Working with partners Huggies® and the non-profit National Diaper Bank Network, the Healthy Mom&Baby Diaper Drive makes sure nurses get the credit and recognition they deserve for helping families combatting diaper need.
Join with nurses to make a difference for families in your community. It’s time to end diaper need – here’s how:
Help Nurses Wipe Out Diaper Need
Get Involved:
Contact the AWHONN Diaper Drive Coordinator by email at DiaperDrive@AWHONN.org.
The Diaper Drive Coordinator will assist you with getting a diaper drive set up with a local diaper bank and provide the information you need to host a successful event.
No local AWHONN Chapter? Want to host a diaper drive at your hospital or at your college/university? Email DiaperDrive@AWHONN.org.
2025 Goal:
More than 250,000 diapers donated to diaper banks throughout the country by AWHONN nurses.
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