The diaper project will assist low income families in Madison County, IL with infants to toddler age to receive the basic needs, clean diapers & wipes. On average, infants need 10 - 12 diapers a day, toddlers about 8. Disposable diapers can costs around $70 - $80 per month per baby. No state or federal child safety-net program allocates dollars specifically for the purchase of diapers. Our "No Child Wet Behind" diaper project will help fill the gap for the families in Madison County, Illinois.
Infants and toddlers living in deep poverty often cannot afford a consistent supply of diapers. On average, babies need 10-12 diapers a day, which costs around $70 - $80 per month. A family of three in deep poverty lives on $432 per month; a full supply of diapers for one child consumes around 20% of their family's income. Neither SNAP (food stamps) nor WIC program benefits can be used for purchasing diapers. This project will assist more than 200 babies.
"No Child Wet Behind" provides clean disposable diapers to families in poverty. The consequences of diaper insufficiency can be harsh for children, their parents, and society. By providing adequate diapers to the families in need this will eliminate babies from suffering from serious health problems including diaper rash, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and oral-fecal contamination.
The project will help eliminate emotional issues with mothers who want to provide enough diapers to keep a baby clean, dry, and healthy. For families enrolled in Early Head Start programs having access to diapers removes a key building block for strong families. Without diapers a parent cannot go to work, and not working disqualifies a parent from vital child care resources.
