Bottom Line: County Council recognizes Diaper Need Awareness Week

Nancy Woodland (l) of WestSide Baby and Eastside Baby Corner’s Renee Zimmerman (r) hold the recognition they received from the Metropolitan King County Council.

Back Row: (l-r) Councilmembers Larry Gossett, Dave Upthegrove, Larry Phillips, Jane Hague, and Pete von Reichbauer. 

Front Row (l-r) Councilmember Joe McDermott, Nancy Woodland, Renee Zimmerman, Councilmembers Kathy Lambert and Rod Dembowski

Lack of diapers is a comfort AND health issue

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 recognized the week of Sept. 28-Oct. 4 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.

“Diapers are a basic need for babies and can be a significant investment for families of every income level,” said Council Vice Chair Joe McDermott. “Making sure that every child has an adequate supply of diapers with go far to keep kids healthy.” 

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.

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.

Locally, if you wish to be of help, toss a couple of packages of diapers in your shopping cart and drop them off at Shoreline HopeLink in the lower level of Aurora Square, near Marshall's.

Or mail a check to HopeLink and specify "Diaper Fund". Shoreline HopeLink,15809 Westminster Way N, Seattle, WA 98133.