Lack of diapers keep children out of childcare

Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc. (K.I.D.S.):

According to the most recent census, 22% of American children live at or below the poverty line. In many cases, their families cannot provide the diapers they need because diapers, which can cost as much as $100 a month, cannot be bought with the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, commonly known as "food stamps") or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

Most childcare programs require parents to provide disposable diapers for their children's use, so a lack of diapers can keep children out of childcare, forcing their parents to stay home from work. Some parents try to stretch their diaper supply by leaving the children in diapers longer between changes or by reusing disposable diapers, but these measures can affect the health and emotional well-being of children and their families. Cloth diapers are not a solution because many families are without out easy access to laundry facilities.