FAQ

A diaper bank collects and distributes free diapers to families who can't afford enough of them. Beantown Baby Diaper Bank is the only nonprofit in Greater Boston dedicated solely to providing free diapers and wipes to its partners.

Nearly 1 in 2 U.S. families struggle to afford enough diapers to keep their babies clean, healthy, and dry. In Massachusetts, more than 50,000 babies live in households struggling to make ends meet, and a typical month of diapers costs $80–$100. Many people are surprised to learn that government programs like WIC and SNAP don't cover diapers. Having enough diapers frees up money for rent, utilities, and food, helps prevent diaper rash and other health issues, and gives caregivers one less thing to worry about. Families without enough diapers miss an average of 5.3 days of work or school.

We distribute diapers through partner agencies such as food pantries and family resource centers. Each month, partners submit their requests for sizes and quantities, and we recommend about 50 diapers per child per month, nearly a week's supply. At least 75% of the diapers we distribute are bulk-purchased with donated dollars. Today, 16 partner agencies serve 40 towns and cities across Greater Boston.

Our model is to work through partner agencies already serving families in their communities. That allows us to make the most of our limited resources, streamline distribution, and ultimately get diapers to as many families as possible. If you need diapers, findhelp.org or 211 can connect you with resources near you.

It's a fair question, but cloth diapers aren't always a practical option. Most childcare centers don't allow them, some laundromats don't permit washing them in their machines, and many living situations don't allow easy or frequent access to a washer and dryer.

You can donate, run or host a diaper drive, donate open sleeves or outgrown sizes, volunteer at our monthly distributions and sorting sessions, or follow us and share our posts on social media. LEARN MORE HERE

Unrestricted financial donations go the furthest, because they let us bulk-purchase diapers at a lower cost. Sizes 4–7 are the most requested and the least donated, because children stay in them much longer.