ESCANABA — What is diaper need? Diaper need is the lack of a sufficient supply of diapers to keep and infant or child clean, dry and healthy.

Research shows that 1 in 3 families in the United States struggle to pay for this very basic essential. Most assistance programs like WIC and SNAP are focused on nutrition and therefore cannot be used to purchase diapers and wipes. Families often must squeeze in purchasing diapers along with paying for rent, food and utilities. The average cost of diapers is about $1,000 per year per child and that cost is expected to rise.

The main purpose of the Welcome Newborns diaper bank is to provide low income families with free diapers and wipes. Some diaper banks are a small pantry or diaper closet in a church or community center, others are independent 501(c)(3) organizations that work with other non-profits to fulfill their client’s needs, and some are programs within a larger organization. Regardless of their size or structure, each one works hard to fulfill a large community need.

Diapers help babies stay clean, dry and healthy. It’s hygiene 101 and is a basic need for every single baby.

Distributing free diapers and wipes and distributing them to those in need is a simple idea with a big impact on communities.

Like hunger, a lack of diapers has a profound impact on a child and family. Without enough diapers, parents are sometimes forced to change their babies less frequently or reuse soiled or wet diapers, putting children at a high risk for painful diaper rash, infection and illness. Studies show that a child who cries frequently — and children with diaper rash and infections generally do cry more — is more likely to suffer abuse.

Diapers are essential to the daily care of an infant or toddler, and many families cannot afford them. A typical infant uses 10 to 12 diapers a day, adding up to about $100 to $120 per month, a cost not usually covered by federal or state assistance programs.

For more information, contact the Welcome Newborns Program Office at the Community Action Agency in Delta County by calling 906-786-7080 or emailing the Welcome Newborns Program Coordinator at rolandaberg@yahoo.com.

Fillable forms to receive free diapers and wipes are available online at https://pdf.ac/B4gqx