BROOKINGS — New Beginnings Birth Center will hold a diaper drive during National Diaper Need Awareness Week, which is Sept. 23–29. The donated diapers and wipes will be given to the Harvest Table and the Brookings Area United Way to help area families who face diaper need.

Diaper need is defined as the lack of a sufficient number of diapers to keep a child clean, dry and healthy. On average, babies require 12 diapers a day and toddlers eight diapers per day. The American Academy of Pediatrics states each child will use 3,000 diapers in the first year and a total of 8,000 diapers before potty training. Average monthly cost of diapers per child ranges from $70 to $80.

“According to the National Diaper Bank Network, one in two U.S. families struggle to provide enough diapers to keep a baby or toddler clean, dry and healthy,” said Brookings Health System Obstetrics Director Michelle Sand, RN. “Babies and toddlers require diapers as a basic need, yet because diapers are considered hygiene items, they are not covered by governmental safety-net programs like WIC or SNAP.”

Diapers are critical to a baby’s health and overall well-being. Children who do not receive consistent diaper changes are more susceptible to infections, diaper rash and other significant health problems. In addition, because children without diapers cannot attend daycare or early childhood education, diaper need can contribute to adverse educational outcomes.

Diaper need also impacts families. Parents cannot go to work if they lack diapers to leave with their child at daycare. The National Diaper Bank Network and Huggies recently conducted a study that found parents who struggled with diaper need missed on average four days of work per month. Needing diapers can lead to increased stress, financial hardship and food insecurity for families.

Individuals who would like to contribute to New Beginnings Birth Center’s diaper drive may purchase items from the Amazon wish list located at https://rb.gy/heg7by. Alternatively, diapers of any size and wipes may be dropped off at Brookings Health System’s reception desks during National Diaper Need Awareness Week.