Poor diapering can lead to long term effects in a child’s health

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — One in two U.S. households with young children struggle to afford the diapers necessary for a child’s proper health.

“They’re expensive, and babies need a lot of changes every day,” said Michelle Marty.

The sad reality is that many children sit in wet, or soiled diapers for extended periods of time.

“Sometimes when parents are really struggling with enough diapers, they keep that diaper on the baby a long time. She doesn’t have another choice… she’s waiting, hoping someone that she’s asked will bring her diapers,” said Marty.

Although, doing this can create negative and long-term effects on the baby’s health.

“Obviously, any time they they soil a diaper, they need a change right away,” she said. “Not changing that increases the likelihood with infections and germs and all that bacteria.”

It also affects them psychologically.

“So she’s embarrassed..  her kids in stretched-out diapers that needs to be changed, and so she doesn’t have people in, or have people see her, the baby, and they both end up really isolated.”

Michelle Marty serves as a program manager with the National Children’s Advocacy Center and said they see firsthand just how great the need is for diapers.

“We have a program with about 30 families, and we get asked every week for diapers.”

That’s why News 19 is partnering with the Food Bank of North Alabama for the great diaper drive.

It’s an opportunity to rally the community to donate diapers and be a part of helping our children stay healthy.

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