Many Families in America Can No Longer Afford Diapers. Here's How You Can Help

After five months of living through the current coronavirus pandemic, socially distancing in grocery store lines and bulk buying everything from food to toilet paper has become somewhat normalized. 

However, one thing that has remained a problem for families across the country is not only the shortage of diapers and other baby products but their ability to afford them due to job loss. 

A recent NY Times article reported that many families across the country are having trouble affording and attaining basic needs (such as formulas, wipes and other supplies) because of pandemic-related job losses. Per the outlet, “Over 56 million people with children under 18 at home say they, or their household, has lost income since March 13, 2020.”

There is also the issue of parents being unable to locate specific products. For instance, finding local stores with preferred brands and diapers for premature babies or babies with special needs has at times become impossible. The unavailability of these items has caused families to turn to diaper banks and other charities for help. 

“That imbalance, that shift in demand, that could have a huge ripple effect in terms of whether the customer can get products or not,” Karthik Natarajan, an assistant professor of supply chain and operations at the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, told the outlet. It's important to recognize that these resources must rely on donations in an attempt to meet these increased demands.

Looking to help? The National Diaper Bank Network is one of the largest organizations providing families with resources in their area. The non-profit is dedicated to ensuring that every child in the U.S. has an adequate supply of diapers. You can donate to the organization here. 

You can also donate supplies to the Salvation Army, Baby2Baby and Newborns In Need. 

During these tough times, it’s important we all come together and help our community members, especially the tiny ones.