Diapers are expensive. According to “Family Life,” Swiss parents spend between 50 and 100 francs a month to keep their baby dry. According to U.S. health officials, it's at least 70 francs ($80) for American parents.
On the US minimum wage, diapers absorb nearly 10 percent of wages. There are other mandatory expenses like baby food or soap. Not much left.
The US state of Tennessee recognizes this and wants to help. Parents are entitled to state support when buying diapers from August. Covers the entire cost of 100 diapers per month up to two years of age. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved it last Friday.
Medicare and Medicaid are US government assistance programs that help people cover their health care costs. A baby's good health includes dry diapers.
A new diaper not only reduces baby crying, but also reduces healthcare costs. “An important benefit of adequate diaper supplies is the prevention of diaper rash and bladder infections,” CMS writes.
A change in the law will reduce avoidable medical costs and improve the overall health of children. Other states are also trying to make it easier to buy diapers. For example, they reduce the tax rate on diapers or provide direct advice to parents. However, no state—with the exception of Tennessee—is completely exempt from diaper concerns.
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