New Legislation to Help 'Absorb' the Financial Impact of Providing Diapers Passes Senate Committee on Children and Families

On April 30, the Senate Children and Families Committee passed Bill S1086B, which would grant eligible parents to receive periodic allowances to assist in the purchasing of diapers for their children aged two years and under. Under the legislation sponsored by Senator Persaud, who chairs the Social Services Committee, families who qualify for aid from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) would be provided $80 every three months to ensure kids regularly have clean diapers. 

This bill is in response to multiple studies that reported notable health impacts on children who suffered from common issues such as diaper rash, which could lead to further consequential health complications. Moreover, these health issues only lead to further financial strain on families and in some cases can be a matter of public health. 

Senator Persaud said:

"Caring for a child is expensive, and the consequences of an inability to change diapers can lead to severe medical complications for the child. Too often, for some parents, the high cost of diapers is a source of anxiety and stress. Having a clean supply of diapers can not only preserve the health of the baby but can also act to sooth the mental stress and anxiety felt by parents trying to provide for their families. This bill seeks to provide a diaper purchase allowance of $80 every three months to eligible parents."

Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages said:

“Far too often, families already struggling to cover the cost of basic life necessities like housing and food, also have to face the daunting challenge of finding money to purchase diapers for their babies. The lack of  an adequate supply of clean diapers leaves parents with no other choice than to have their children sit in dirty and wet diapers longer than intended. This creates an unhealthy scenario for infants that can lead to painful and uncomfortable diaper rashes and urinary tract infections. This legislation will help struggling families by easing the costly burden of purchasing diapers. I remain committed to ensuring that all families, regardless of financial means, have equitable access to the resources they need to raise healthy children.”

Council Member Mark Treyger said:

“No parent should ever have to make a choice between buying clean diapers for their child and paying their rent. Diapers are an expensive necessity that many families in New York struggle to afford, especially in single parent homes – where up to 55% of the household income can go toward infant care. That’s why I am so proud to have passed legislation in the City Council to make free diapers available at city-subsidized childcare centers, domestic violence shelters, and temporary housing shelters. I look forward to further progress for this legislation, which would ease the financial burden caused by diapers and infant care on some of New York’s most vulnerable families. Thank you to Senator Persaud for being a strong partner in the fight to strengthen our city’s social safety net.”