Frequently asked questions

Can’t people use food stamps to buy diapers?

SNAP and WIC are not available to purchase diapers, and NDBN does not advocate for them to be used for diapers.  They are nutrition programs administered by the Department of Agriculture.  Diapers would be a big cost addition to these programs that already face budget challenges.

Diapers can be bought with TANF cash assistance, but nationwide only 23 percent of families living below the Federal Poverty Level receive cash assistance through TANF. In 13 states, fewer than 10 of every 100 poor families receive cash assistance. The funds they do receive are insufficient to buy diapers and pay all the other expenses (utility bills, rent, other hygiene essentials, clothing, etc.) that money is supposed to cover.

Why don’t people use cloth diapers?

NDBN’s mission is to ensure that all babies have an adequate supply of diapers. Making cloth diapers available supports this mission significantly. While cloth diapering is not a good fit for everyone, it can provide a cost effective way to diaper children.

Many of our member diaper banks offer cloth diaper programs. These programs provide cloth diapers and education to interested families who qualify to help alleviate the cost burden and also the stress associated with worry over affording diapers.