NO BUTT LEFT BEHIND!

2013 South Ogden Jr. High Diaper Drive

WHAT IS THE DIAPER GAP? The lack of a sufficient supply of

disposable diapers to remain clean, dry and healthy.

AMERICA’S BABIES ARE BEING SHORT-CHANGED

With 5.9 million babies in the U.S. aged three or younger living in poor or low-income families …

And disposable diapers costing up to $150 per month per baby with no government assistance

WHY IT’S TOUGH TO GET DIAPERS Without transportation, buying

diapers at a convenience store rather than a large discount store can double or triple the monthly cost.

For sanitary reasons, coin-operated laundromats often don’t allow customers to wash cloth diapers.

Infants require up to 12 diapers per day, toddlers about eight.

You can buy candy with food stamps — but, diapers are classified with cigarettes, alcohol and pet food as disallowed purchases.

CONSEQUENCES OF INSUFFICIENT DIAPERS

Babies born into poor or low-income families can spend a day or longer in one diaper, leading to potential health risks.

Most childcare centers, even free & subsidized facilities, will turn away a child who arrives without a day’s supply of disposable diapers.

Cloth diapers are not accepted at the vast majority of childcare centers.

Many parents can not go to work or school if they can’t leave their babies at childcare.

Hence, babies live in home environments with more tension, less nurturing and possible abuse. Their chance to develop cognitive abilities and language skills normally is in jeopardy, and frankly, the uncomfortable baby will cry — a lot.

DESPERATE MEASURES Some mothers resort to what is

termed “stretching.” Stretching is when the dirty diaper is re-used after it has been soiled.

Other mothers leave the soiled diapers on their children for as long as their child can stand. Some children only get a fresh diaper once a day.

When there are no more diapers left, mothers resort to using t-shirts that are shoved down their children’s pants.

PAINFUL CONSEQUENCES All of these practices result in painful infections

and open sores on these children’s bums.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

Bring in a package of diapers, any size and drop in a collection box in one of your classrooms.

Bring in a package of wipes and drop in the baby wipes collection box in one of your classrooms.

Bring in diaper rash cream. It helps heals the sores caused by having a diaper on for too long. Drop in the same box with the baby wipes!

How many babies and toddlers will you help this year?

Drive Runs from Nov. 11th-22nd

SOURCES National Diaper Bank Network(http://nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org/diapergap.html)