Hard Times
On September 29, 2008, the stock market crashed, and many families in the U.S. and Canada faced a major economic recession and the prospect of losing their jobs or wages. What happens when parents find themselves unable to pay for the basics? What do they do when there are too little resources for something as seemingly simple as providing their child with a clean diaper?
In 2010, the Huggies Every Little Bottom Study (Diaper Need in the U.S. and Canada), generated by interest in diaper need, found 33% of mothers struggled to afford an adequate supply of diapers for their infants and small children. Dr. Cybele Raver, Director of the Institute of Human Development and Social Change and Professor at New York University, addresses the findings.
- Whereas diapering can be a source of joy and emotional connection for all mothers, it can also represent a significant source of psychological strain for families who are financially struggling.
- She notes that the study addresses a major gap in the field of child development. We haven’t known about parent’s views on keeping their children clean and dry. Diapering happens more frequently every day than do most other more commonly studied rituals in the lives of families. So, how do parents feel about changing their infant’s diapers? The answer is mothers view diapering as emotionally rewarding and as part of being a good parent.
- Diapering is viewed by most parents surveyed as a basic necessity for babies, much like food or shelter. Parents facing tough tradeoffs may have to cut back on other essentials when trying to meet this need.
- Mothers report emotional and psychological consequences (for both themselves and their infants) of running short on diapers that are new to both researchers and policy professionals. Babies cried more and suffered from diaper rash. To have enough diapers for their baby, mothers cut back on essentials like food and skipped paying bills.
- This study also helps us to identify that families have a basic need and points to simple actions we can take to support families as they face financial hardship.
- This study sheds light on the profound role of “exogenous shocks” of economic recession to the lives of families with infants and young children. COVID-19 pandemic is an example occurring in early 2020.
Is the lack of diapers impacting children or families you know? If yes, please share how this problem is affecting them. It’s time for a change.
Huggies Every Little Bottom Study, Dr. Cybele Raver, Dr. N. Letourneau, Dr. Jennifer Scott, and Heidi D’Agostino, June 2010
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