Low Income Families Feel the Pinch to Buy Diapers for Their Babies

Researchers have said that shortage of diapers is a big problem in low income families and can create physical, mental, and social problems for families.

A recent survey of low income moms has found that diapers can make a gaping hole in the family budget and many are unable to afford enough diapers to change their babies.

Some of them stretch the diaper supplies by just refusing to change the diapers of children often. Little ones are made to remain in them even after they have been soiled.

The study found that one in 12 low-income moms stretch the diaper supply and this could expose children to skin and urinary tract infections.

"There are cases sometimes where moms are taking off a diaper, scooping out what's in it and putting it back on a child, we've heard about that. Obviously, then, children are going to show more signs of irritation, discomfort, crying and then this in turn would make the mother feel less adequate about her parenting abilities, [and] impact her depressive symptoms and her stress levels," said study author Megan Smith.

Pediatrician and healthcare experts must advice parents and watch out for such habits during interaction with the mother and child. Further, the government must also chip in to help low-income families with diaper supply, which is not the case and has resulted in new mothers using diapers frugally.



Source: Medindia