In Colorado, nearly one in two families is currently experiencing diaper need – a lack of an adequate supply of diapers to keep a child clean, dry and healthy. As the state’s largest diaper bank, local nonprofit WeeCycle is calling on the community to help alleviate some of this need during National Diaper Need Awareness Week (Sept. 23-29).
WeeCycle estimates it spends an average of $120,000 per month on diapers — one to three truckloads worth — to give to infants and toddlers in need. So far this year, they have distributed more than 5 million diapers across the state. However, the need is far greater. It is estimated that to eliminate diaper need for all Colorado infants and toddlers, a staggering 100 million diapers per year is needed. Currently, the National Diaper Bank Network estimates the combined efforts of member diaper banks in Colorado meet only 10% of that need, with WeeCycle contributing 6% of that 10%.
Diapers cannot be purchased through government assistance programs like SNAP or WIC, leaving low-income families in a difficult situation. When families face diaper need, parents may have to leave their babies in soiled diapers for extended periods or reuse disposable diapers, which can lead to health issues like diaper rashes or infections.
WeeCycle continues to see a relentless surge in the need for diapers, wipes, formula and other baby essentials. This surge began with the COVID-19 pandemic and has persisted due to rising living costs, the scarcity of affordable childcare and housing, and the growing number of migrant and refugee families in need.
WeeCycle hopes to raise $47,000 during Diaper Need Awareness Week, representing the 47% of Colorado infants and toddlers experiencing diaper need. This will allow WeeCycle to purchase over 300,000 diapers, alleviating diaper need for more than 6,000 children.
How to help families experiencing diaper need 
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Donate to help WeeCycle purchase diapers at weecycle.org/dnaw.
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Bring new diapers and wipes to one of WeeCycle’s donation locations throughout metro Denver.
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Host a diaper drive on behalf of WeeCycle. Contact WeeCycle at [email protected] to get started.
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Volunteer at one of WeeCycle’s distribution events.
“It helps me when we can’t financially afford diapers for my son. He has missed school maybe once or twice when we couldn’t get any,” said Dulce, a mother of two from Adams County and WeeCycle client. “We’re currently only able to afford to rent one room out of someone’s house which isn’t ideal for two kids but it’s what’s available right now.”
In Colorado, 67% of childcare facilities require parents to supply a certain number of disposable diapers. When parents can’t meet this requirement, they may have to miss days of school or work. The stress of choosing between buying diapers and paying for essentials like rent, utilities or food can take a serious toll on mental health, often leading to issues such as maternal depression.
“Babies and toddlers don’t get a say in whether they have access to clean diapers, yet they bear the brunt of the consequences when there aren’t enough,” said Dr. Rodriguez. “They can’t choose to wait or understand why they have to stay in a soiled diaper longer than they should. Diaper need isn’t just a matter of inconvenience — it affects their overall development.”
Much of WeeCycle’s funding from the American Rescue Plan Act that came amid the pandemic has been utilized to meet the surging demand for diapers over the past few years. However, with these funds now nearly exhausted, WeeCycle will have even fewer resources to purchase diapers than it has had for the past three years, despite the growing need among Colorado families. This impending shortfall makes community support more crucial than ever to continue providing essential supplies to those in need.
Resources if you are experiencing diaper need
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WeeCycle hosts diaper and essential supply distribution events 2-4 times per week throughout metro Denver and beyond. View upcoming events here.
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Visit WeeCycle’s website for additional resources from our partner agencies.
Author: Mile High Mamas
