One in three U.S. parents struggle with “diaper need” – the inability to provide clean diapers for their baby, according to a 2010 Huggies study. At this scale, diaper need is a critical issue for our nation. In this article we briefly discuss why it is so important that every baby has a clean diaper and what you can do to help.
Start with ultra-sensitive baby skin, add the moisture and chemicals of urine and stools and you’ve got the making of a very unhappy baby. A wet or soiled diaper is one of the main causes of discomfort for baby and parents should look to address a full diaper immediately.
While your little one’s happiness certainly is important, there is also a very real health need associated with changing diapers in a timely manner, even on urine-only diapers. Leaving baby in a soiled diaper for a long period of time or not adequately cleaning them with wipes at every diaper change, can damage their skin often resulting in a painful rash. It can also leave them susceptible to the invasion of bacteria and yeast, presenting additional health problems and discomfort for everyone involved.
For parents suffering from diaper need, they may have to leave baby in a soiled diaper for extended periods or even washout and reuse previously soiled diapers. Furthermore, parents often have to choose between paying for food or buying diapers. Food or diapers, could you imagine? The stress of a decision like that most certainly takes a toll on the entire family.
As a father of eight, it breaks my heart to learn that so many infants do not have access to the diaper-care they need. That is why it is important to me to do my part in helping combat this issue, and also why I am proud to partner with the Huggies brand to help raise awareness of diaper need and to contribute to their No Baby Unhugged program.
The brand has been giving hugs in the form of more than 200 million diapers and wipes over the past six years to help babies in need. The brand also helped establish the National Diaper Bank Network in 2011, which it continues to support, helping it grow from 20 banks to 320.
What you can do to help!
Every baby should have access to the clean diapers they need, so if you are inspired to do something to help families suffering from diaper need here are a couple ways you can get involved today:
- Volunteering at or donating diapers to your local diaper bank
- Hosting a diaper drive with your friends or playgroup
- Donating your Huggies Rewards points to babies in need, more information at Huggies.com
Note: This article was sponsored by Huggies®. Dr. William Sears is a proud member of the Huggies Parent Council.
Huggies® believes deeply in the Power of Hugs. The simple, loving act is proven to support babies’ emotional and physiological well-being. Huggies® diapers and wipes are inspired by a parent’s hug, – to nurture baby with care, cradle baby in comfort and surround baby in protection. Huggies Natural Care® Wipes feature our simplest formula ever for a gentle clean. Learn more at Huggies.com #HuggiesCouncil