Summary

Lack of diapers is a comfort AND health issue

Story

Best way to keep a baby happy? Keep them fed and KEEP THEM DRY!!

Far too many parents have to make the difficult choice of changing a diaper or letting their child stay in a soiled diaper to help extend their limited supply. The Metropolitan King County Council today recognized the week of Sept. 26-Oct. 2 as Diaper Need Awareness Week, the effort to ensure that all infants and toddlers can be clean, healthy, and dry by having the diapers they need.

National surveys report that one in three mothers experience diaper need while their children are less than three years of age, and that nearly half of families delay changing a diaper to extend their supply. Medical professionals are undivided in their concern over the affect this has on the health and welfare of babies, toddlers, and their families.

“The cost of diapers is a great burden for many families struggling to properly care for their children,” said Council Chair Joe McDermott. “Ensuring that every family has access to an uninterrupted supply of diapers is a huge step towards safeguarding the health of vulnerable children throughout King County.”

The average infant or toddler requires an average of 50 diaper changes per week over three years. In addition, diapers cannot be bought with food stamps or WIC vouchers, so obtaining a sufficient supply of diapers can cause economic hardship to families.

“I’m always delighted to recognize Diaper Need Awareness Week. Eastside Baby Corner and Westside Baby help so many young families when they need it most in getting a strong and healthy start to life,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “Both of these great organizations deserve our respect, admiration and assistance for their dedication in meeting many needs in our community.”

A supply of diapers is generally an eligibility requirement for infant and toddlers to participate in childcare programs and quality early education programs, thus addressing diaper need can also lead to economic opportunity for low-income families.

Nancy Woodland, Executive Director of Westside Baby and Eastside Baby Corner Executive Director Renee Zimmerman received the recognition from the Council. Both stressed the impact the lack of diapers can have on struggling parents

“Eastside Baby Corner and Westside Baby work together so that every child has their basic physical needs met,” Zimmerman said. “Diapers are expensive, at $80-100 per month, and necessary so that every child thrives.”

King County is proud to be home to various community organizations that recognize the importance of diapers in helping to provide economic stability. Learn more online at either WestSide Baby or Eastside Baby Corner.

Councilmembers join Nancy Woodland (l), Executive Director of WestSide Baby and Eastside Baby Corner Executive Director Renee Zimmerman after the Council proclaimed Sept. 26-Oct. 2 as "Diaper Need Awareness Week"

WHEREAS, diaper need, the condition of not having a sufficient supply of clean diapers to ensure that infants and toddlers are clean, healthy, and dry, can adversely affect the health and welfare of infants, toddlers, and their families; and

WHEREAS, national surveys report that one in three mothers experience diaper need at some time while their children are less than three years of age, and 48 percent of families delay changing a diaper to extend their supply; and

WHEREAS, the average infant or toddler requires an average of 50 diaper changes per week over three years; and

WHEREAS, diapers cannot be bought with food stamps or WIC vouchers; therefore, obtaining a sufficient supply of diapers can cause economic hardship to families; and

WHEREAS, a supply of diapers is generally an eligibility requirement for infant and toddlers to participate in childcare programs and quality early education programs; and

WHEREAS, the people of King County recognize that addressing diaper need can lead to economic opportunity for the state’s low-income families and to improved health for families and their communities; and

WHEREAS, King County is proud to be home to various community organizations that recognize the importance of diapers in creating economic stability for families and distribute diapers to poor families through various channels;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Metropolitan King County Council, proclaim the week of September 26 to October 2, 2016, as

in King County and encourage residents to donate generously to diaper banks, diaper drives, and those organizations that distribute diapers to families in need.

DATED this twenty-sixth day of September, 2016.