For all families with babies and young children, diapers aren’t just essential, they’re a precious resource in short supply. Approximately one in two families can’t afford diapers, according to the 2023 Diaper Check Report, published by the National Diaper Bank Network.

As this report so plainly puts it, “For babies and toddlers, diapers are an essential need for health and hygiene.” And they’re an essential that impacts not only the welfare and comfort of babies and toddlers but the wellbeing of entire families.

“People often think that food insecurity is more pressing,” says Barbara Johnson, CEO of Hope Supply Company. “But statistics show that people who suffer diaper need tend to take away from their food budget to buy diapers. It’s a significant part of these families’ budgets.” The Diaper Check Report backs this up, revealing that 72% of households that reported diaper need were forced to cut spending on other essentials, such as food and utilities. Over a quarter said they skipped meals so they could afford more diapers.

In addition, not having this essential supply can cut off parents’ and caregivers’ access to child care. Barbara explains, “I don't think people realize the domino effect of not having diapers — not being able to go to work or to school to get your degree because you don't have the 10 to 12 diapers that you have to leave at the daycare.”

For many families, having adequate diapers not only enables them to keep their children clean and dry, but positions them to invest in their future. Barbara shares about a mother who recently came to Hope Supply Co.’s Diaper Pantry wearing her hotel housekeeping uniform — the uniform for the job she’s able to work because she has the diapers she needs to send with her baby to child care. Without this essential, she’d need to miss work, losing income and making it harder for her to hold her job.

For the one in two families facing diaper need, this essential is far from a given. A baby requires approximately 10 diapers each day to stay healthy. Based on the average retail price for a diaper ($0.41), this adds up to $124.63 each month and $1,496.50 a year. For homeless and at-risk families, the cost can easily become overwhelming. And, combined with the cost of other vital hygiene items such as wipes and diaper rash cream, it’s often a barrier that prevents parents from providing the care they want to give to their babies. (Check out our video for a powerful visual of the supplies a baby needs to stay clean and dry for a year!)

But through the generosity of those who give to help families facing diaper need, Hope Supply Co. is able to empower families to care for their babies and invest in their futures. As the only diaper bank in North Texas and the largest children’s diaper bank in the United States, Hope Supply Co.’s sole mission is to serve homeless and at-risk infants and toddlers by providing diapers, wipes and hygiene items. And, because it’s able to purchase in bulk, it can provide diapers for less than half of the retail price.

By meeting this critical diaper need, Hope Supply Co.’s donors come alongside not only the youngest members of our community, but entire households. As the Diaper Check Report states, “When families receive support from a diaper bank, they receive essential hygiene products while experiencing a myriad of positive outcomes including connection to other resources, reduced parental stress, improved attendance at child care, and the ability to divert household income towards other essential needs.”

This “myriad of positive outcomes” is why Hope Supply Co. exists. We want every baby — and every family — to have the essentials necessary for the chance to thrive.