4 Ways You Can Support Parents and Babies This Holiday Season

This post was sponsored by Huggies.

Did you know that 1 in 3 U.S. families struggle to provide diapers for their children?

That means you most likely have a friend or acquaintance who, at one point, has had difficulty keeping their littlest ones in the diapers they need. An extremely stressful thing, especially during the holidays.

During this season, when we’re all on the lookout for ways to give, why not support moms and dads in our community with a tangible, every day need – like diapers! That’s what Huggies is doing (all year round, in fact!) through their partnership with the National Diaper Bank Network. After becoming a founding sponsor of this non-profit organization, Huggies has been a catalyst in increasing awareness of diaper need while supporting diaper banks nationwide. In addition, through the No Baby Unhugged program, they have donated 200 million diapers and wipes —- in just six years! That’s a lot of diapers in not a lot of time, Go Huggies! But, as you know, parents use diapers in abundance and many parents could still use a helping hand when it comes to diapering their babies. That’s where you and I come in. We can help!

Here are four ways you can creatively gift diapers to those who need them most this Christmas …

Find Diapers To Give

Do you have diapers tucked in spare closets around your home? Are too small ones hidden in around somewhere? Probably! Clean out those spaces and donate diapers that don’t fit your own child. A little one out their will be so appreciative!

When at The Store

Do things magically land in your cart while you’re browsing at the store? Things you need, things you want, things your toddler tosses in and you don’t discover until checkout? It happens to me often enough! Next time I go though, I’m going to intentionally add a pack or two of diapers to my cart so I can donate them. Retailers have diaper deals frequently too so I bet I can even catch some on a sale!

Host a Holiday Playdate

Every mom or dad needs a good excuse to get together with friends! Why not plan a casual play date in December and ask each attendee to bring a pack of diapers so you can collectively give to a diaper bank? Mention the idea of bringing too small diapers they may have stashed or picking something up on their next shopping spree.  The more diapers, the merrier! You could even merge it with a cookie swap, white elephant, or ornament exchange if you wanted. This is a wonderful way for our kids to be active participants in giving during the holidays. They may not fully understand this year, but seeing you give will grow the same spirit within their hearts.

Create a Christmas Wish List

My youngest was born in September and everyone is asking what is on his Christmas list. My response, “Um … nothing!” My little boy has no needs and his two older brothers hand down every piece of clothing and toy he could dream of. If your child is living in abundance too, tell family members that you’d like diapers to donate on your baby’s behalf this Christmas. This way, they’ll have something to wrap up and bring to the holiday gathering and your little one will have something to excitedly unwrap. It’s the best of both of worlds!

Now, how to get the diapers you gather, buy, and receive into the hands and onto the bottoms of those who need them most? It’s easy! Simply reach out to your local diaper bank. You can also email info@diaperbanknetwork.org for help finding one or search their member directory at www.nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org/members/.

Jamie, a mom of four, who has received a diaper donation in the past says, “I can say with 100% honesty that the gift of diapers is one of the greatest gifts that parents can receive.” Let this holiday season prompt you to give the tangible gift of diapers. It isn’t fancy, but it’s necessary and will alleviate so much stress and worry from fellow parents. Often, one of the best ways we can support other moms and dads is through a tangible hug – a real one or a gift that represents one. A hug says I care about you and a gift of Huggies says I understand that we’re on the same journey of parenthood.

Huggies – the fastest growing diaper brand in U.S. hospitals – believes deeply in the Power of Hugs, which is why every diaper and wipe is inspired by a parent’s embrace. The Huggies No Baby Unhugged program helps ensure all babies get the hugs they need to thrive by supporting hugging programs in hospitals and donating diapers across the country. Learn how you can help at Huggies.com/NoBabyUnhugged. #HuggiesCouncil #ad