Diaper Need
Diapers are a basic need for all babies. Unfortunately, 1 in 3 American families struggle to afford diapers to keep their baby clean, dry and healthy.
Supporting Families
A mother trying to go to school to make a better life for her family. A father working two jobs. A family who needs a little help. These are our friends, families and neighbors. A few diapers can make all the difference.
The facts.
- Infants require up to 12 diapers per day, toddlers about 8.
- On average, disposable diapers cost $80 per month per baby.
- Diapers cannot be purchased with food stamps or WIC.
- No state or federal child safety-net program allocates dollars for the purchase of diapers.
Why don’t parents just use cloth diapers?
- Unfortunately, cloth diapers are not accepted at the vast majority of child care centers. Parents have to purchase disposables at an average cost of $80 per month.
- Most child care centers, even free and low-cost facilities, require parents to provide diapers.
What are the risks?
- Left with no other choice, many parents leave their child in a soiled diaper for too long, which frequently leads to diaper rash, and may cause serious infections.
- When parents run out of diapers, they are forced to withdraw their children from child care.
- Without a safe place for their children to go, parents cannot work to support their families and cannot attend the schooling that will help them provide a firmer economic base for their family.
- The negative impact can be lasting. Behavior problems, cognitive ability, language development and difficulty in school are just a few.

Prior to 2020, Andy and his fiancé, had never needed to utilize a community service. Andy shares, “I have always worked and was able to provide for my family, so it was humbling to admit that we needed a hand.” After seeing a news article, they quickly got in line. “When we arrived and saw the line of cars, it was evident that this organization truly cared about those in need after such a rough year – I don’t know what we would’ve done without them.”
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Diaper Bank Helps Record Number of Iowans This Year, Needs More Donations to Keep Up With Demand
CEDAR RAPIDS — Because of the economic hardship faced by many this year, one local nonprofit providing for some of the area’s littlest residents saw its biggest growth to date. The Eastern Iowa Diaper Bank has donated more than 615,000