Tennessee will soon become the first state in the country to offer free diapers to families enrolled in the state’s Medicaid program after receiving federal approval, state officials have confirmed.

Similarly, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has also approved extending a pilot program in Delaware that provides free diapers and wipes to postpartum parents for the first three months after giving birth.

The recent approvals in both Delaware and Tennessee come as public health advocates say that families are increasingly struggling to afford enough diapers for their children — not only putting babies at risk of infection and rashes, but also forcing parents to miss work or school because they can’t afford enough diapers required at many childcare centers.

On average, newborn babies can require eight to 10 diapers a day, or around 300 a month. Toddlers can use around 150 diapers a month.

“For infants and toddlers, a key benefit to adequate diaper supply is preventing diaper dermatitis, otherwise known as diaper rash, and urinary tract infections,” CMS wrote in their approval letter to Tennessee on May 17. “Diaper rash is one of the most common medical conditions for infants and toddlers, and changing diapers frequently is the mainstay of recommendations to prevent this condition.”

According to TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid program, families will be able to receive up to 100 diapers per month for children under two starting in August — which will be available at TennCare pharmacies.

The request stemmed from an initiative backed by Republican Gov. Bill Lee in 2023 designed to support families, for which lawmakers approved allocating $30 million in TennCare funding for the free diapers.

In Delaware, individuals will be allowed to receive up to 80 diapers and up to one pack of baby wipes per week in the first twelve weeks postpartum. CMS agreed the state could use Medicaid funding to extend the program another five years.

“Access to sufficient diapers offers health benefits to the parent, as well, as diaper need is associated with maternal depression and stress,” said Martha Lodge, spokesperson for the Delaware Health and Social Services in an email.