By: Katie Griffith, Executive Director of Over the Moon Diaper Bank in Savannah, Georgia  As we chatted in his office, U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff tilted his phone toward us so that we could admire a photo of his lovely baby, Eva Beth. This was not a typical day in the life of a woman who runs a small diaper bank in coastal Georgia. I was participating for the first time in the National Diaper Bank Network’s Lobby Days, an annual event that brings basic needs bank leaders to Washington. We spent Day One working intensively in a small group as we learned the ins and outs of affecting policy in ..read more

By: Muriel Smith, Executive Director of St. Louis Diaper Bank   Starting the Missouri Diaper Bank Coalition  There are eight NDBN-member diaper banks in Missouri with a common mission: ending diaper need and period poverty in our state. By working in close collaboration, we are speeding our progress toward meeting that goal.  When I joined the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank three years ago as executive director, there were already regular meetings between this organization and the diaper banks in Kansas City and Springfield. We would share information and support each other. A yea ..read more

What’s accepted? When it comes to making a difference in the lives of families and infants, donating diapers is a direct and impactful way to help. The National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) and its  network of more than 225 member diaper banks throughout the US, collect and distribute diapers to families in need. Understanding what types of donations are accepted by our members and where to donate is essential. NDBN members accept both opened and unopened packages of diapers. If you’re looking to donate an open package, ensure that the diapers either have the size printed on them, or you s ..read more

In the United States, the glaring issue of daycare inequity is reaching a boiling point. Despite a significant influx of funding into childcare during the pandemic, especially early childhood education, the resources are dwindling, leaving families grappling with skyrocketing daycare expenses. In some regions, the cost of daycare is on par with college tuition, posing a substantial burden on families, particularly those with low income.  Navigating the landscape of current childcare in the United States reveals a troubling panorama. New childcare data reveals the unbearable prices famil ..read more

By: Lee Ann Porter, Executive Director of Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank I never miss NDBN’s annual conference because I learn so much that I can take home to power up my own work. Just as importantly, I get to spend time with my people, other basic needs bankers who are a source of inspiration, support and great information all year round. Eight years of conferences. Eight years of experience. My first conference was in 2016. I’d founded Loving Bottoms in Galesburg, Illinois the previous year. Every day, I fielded the same questions: What’s a diaper bank? What’s diaper need? It was so wonderful ..read more

By: Gabriela Rojas, Executive Director of Miami Diaper Bank The Miami Diaper Bank is committed to helping the families we serve keep their babies clean, dry and healthy. We’re also committed to the families we aren’t serving yet. In 2022 we did a deep dive to find areas that we call diaper deserts and develop a strategy to reach people living in these neighborhoods. Our solution to offer help where it’s most needed is a new mobile diaper pantry, a custom pink van that began reaching out to our highest need South Florida areas in July. We think of it as an ice cream truck, but for diapers. Wha ..read more

Embarking on the journey of potty training your child can feel like a daunting task for many parents. It’s a significant developmental stage that comes with its own unique challenges and triumphs. As you find yourself navigating through this new territory, it’s perfectly normal to feel a mix of excitement, concern and frustration. However, reframing your mindset to move away from thinking about the process  of “potty training” and viewing it as “potty readiness” is a good place to start.   One day, your child may proudly proclaim their need to use the toilet, while on another ..read more

By: Callie Crowder, Executive Director of Maker’s Place Breaking out of the corporate world When I was employed at one of the oldest public accounting firms in the U.S. the partners and managers I reported to respected the work I did as a CPA. I received great performance reviews and was trusted with important work. What I did not get as a senior associate was assignments on engagements that would lead to promotion into management. Those tended to go to white male associates, who, unlike me, were invited to attend sporting events and social outings with the partners. Mentor relationships deve ..read more

Did you know that babies without enough clean diapers are exposed to more potential health risks & are less likely to be accepted to daycares? In fact, there are a variety of health and financial issues that can stem from not having access to an adequate supply of diapers. Most notable among these issues is diaper rash. Diaper rash is not only harmful to the baby experiencing the pain and irritation, but the family also often ends up suffering financially in order to treat the problem.  What Is Diaper Rash? Diaper rash (or diaper dermatitis) is a common form of irritated skin that ty ..read more

Statement from National Diaper Bank Network The National Diaper Bank Network and Alliance for Period Supplies embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion.  We believe that the diversity of our staff, board, and member network, benefits and enriches the work that we do. We are committed to ensuring the equitable access of material basic necessities for all children, families, and individuals regardless of age, economic circumstance, family or marital status, language, national origin, political affiliation, veteran status, ethnicity, sex, race, range of ability, religion, sexual orientation ..read more