One significant cost for families with young children that often goes overlooked is diapers. 

Diapers can cost families at least $1,000 annually for every child in diapers. They are essential for infant and toddler health and hygiene, yet many families with young children experience diaper needs and struggle to afford enough diapers to keep their children clean and healthy.

When families cannot afford enough diapers, both parents and children are negatively impacted. Parents may be forced to reuse dirty diapers or delay changes, which can lead to costly and painful infections such as diaper rash and urinary tract infections. Diaper need can also keep parents out of work, as many child care providers require families to supply a full day’s worth of disposable diapers. The stress of struggling to provide this basic need can also increase parental anxiety and strain family well-being. 

Diaper need affects households across Kentucky and addressing it is an important step toward supporting healthy children and families. 

We’re proud to spotlight two organizations working to increase access to clean diapers for families in Kentucky. 

Saint Bernadette Diaper Bank 

The Saint Bernadette Diaper Bank is a volunteer ministry dedicated to ensuring families across Louisville have enough diapers to keep their children clean, healthy, and safe. The organization collects diapers and partners with more than 25 local agencies to distribute them to families in need. Saint Bernadette is the only diaper bank in Kentucky and helped distribute over 500,000 diapers in 2025. 

“That [500,000] seems like a lot of diapers, but it is only a drop in the bucket to fill the need in our community,” reflected Saint Bernadette Diaper Bank Founder, Deanna Hornback. 


Cuddles & Coo Diaper Pantry

Another organization working to address diaper need is Cuddles & Coo Diaper Pantry in Lexington. Founded in 2024, Cuddles & Coo has quickly expanded to meet the significant need for diapers in the community. The pantry provides diapers, wipes, and pull-ups, as well as other essential baby supplies such as car seats, cribs, and pack-and-plays to qualifying families. 

Recognizing the significant need for diaper pantry services outside of Lexington and the transportation barriers that many families face, Cuddles & Coo is preparing to launch a mobile diaper unit this spring. The mobile diaper unit will serve families in Clay, Leslie, Owsley, Lee, Breathitt, Laurel, Knox, McCreary, Bell, Nicholas, Bourbon, Harrison, Knott, and Madison counties.  

“It’s more than just diapers,” Cuddles & Coo Founder and CEO Lynn Edwards explains. Access to diapers impacts the physical and mental health of parents and children. Increasing access to clean diapers for families is associated with multiple benefits including improved infant and child health, improved caregiver mental health, and increased family income. 

We applaud the efforts of Saint Bernadette Diaper Bank and Cuddles & Coo Diaper Pantry, who are working tirelessly to support families across Kentucky. 

Take Action to Support Diaper Need

Kentucky has a meaningful opportunity to support the basic needs of families by investing in addressing diaper need during the 2026 legislative session. 

Several pieces of legislation have been introduced to increase access to diapers for families. 

  • SB 58 and HB 302 would establish a diaper trust fund to provide financial support for diaper access programs across the state. 
  • SB 258, HB 865, and HB 114 would remove Kentucky’s 6% sales tax on diapers. 

At Bloom Kentucky we know that improving families’ ability to meet children’s basic needs is a critical strategy for mitigating ACEs and ensuring that all families have access to the resources they need to thrive. That’s why we are advocating for state policy and budget investments in addressing diaper need.

Take action today by contacting your state Senator and Representative and asking them to support legislation to increase access to diapers for families!