Should Your Tax Dollars Be Used to Buy Diapers?

A Connecticut congresswoman recently introduced legislation that would allow states to use federal funds to provide diapers and diapering supplies through childcare providers.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) wants to amend the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to “relieve some of the stress on families facing hardship in this economy.”

The stated purpose of the Diaper Investment and Aid to Promote Economic Recovery Act (DIAPER) Act is to help families who struggle with the cost of keeping a child in diapers.

“For many, even the cost of keeping a child in diapers, about $4 a day, or $100 a month, is too much,” according to DeLauro. “But without an adequate supply of diapers, a child cannot attend day care - meaning that working mothers have a harder time getting to work, and can fall even further behind.”

Delauro adds that infrequent diaper changes can lead to diaper rash, increased risk of urinary tract and skin infections, and can even cause outbreaks of viral meningitis, dysentery, and Hepatitis A.

“No family should have to choose between buying diapers for their child or buying groceries - but that is exactly what is happening today,” Delauro said in a released statement. “Diapers are expensive, but necessary, to keep children healthy and in daycare, giving their parents the freedom they need to work.”