We Need Bigger Diaper Sizes in Supermarkets

When you have a baby, one of the many things you don’t expect to use indefinitely is diapers. You look into the not-so-distance future and envisage *the joys of* potty training and eventually a nappy-free life.

However, some parents may not have a nappy-free future.

In the grand scheme of things, this isn’t a big deal. However, last year I felt a pang of frustration when I realized my then 3-year-old was becoming too big for the six plus diapers I buy. I knew about the continence service and that he would be referred when he was 4, but I didn’t know how long this would take or where else I could buy bigger diapers.

A quick search on Google revealed I could buy them online. What disgruntled me though was – as usual – the price tag! Parents of children with disabilities know the one I mean – it’s usually quadruple the price of a standard product because it’s associated with disability. Companies are ever so thoughtful like that.

As a result, I set up a Change.org petition asking all supermarkets to consider selling or manufacturing bigger diapers.

Of course I am aware of the continence service run by the NHS. Although we have yet to receive any nappies, we have had a few meetings with our continence nurse now.

This service is without a doubt beneficial for many families. However, it is unfortunately inconsistent in its approach, and the service you receive very much depends on where you live. This becomes more apparent the more I speak to others. Referral age, eligibility,
waiting times and the number of nappies you receive differs hugely throughout the U.K.

People online with good intentions point me towards Pull-Ups, which come in slightly larger sizes. However, they are designed for children in the process of potty training. Hence there are fewer nappies in a pack and the absorbency isn’t as good. They’re not adequate. Plus, it would cost a small fortune for parents to buy Pull-Ups, as one pack may last only a day or two.

Cloth nappies may suit some children with additional support needs, and there are some fantastic companies where parents can buy these online. However, this isn’t a best fit solution for every parent and child for many reasons (sorry cloth nappy fans).

The truth of the matter is thousands of parents require bigger nappies because their children are either ineligible for the continence service or require more nappies than they receive. Expensive nappies online are just that. Expensive and online. Not a quick or cheap
solution.

There is a huge gap in the market which supermarkets could take advantage of. At the same time, they would be helping a large consumer group – one often disregarded. The disabled community has consumer needs like everyone else. Except sadly we often need to
campaign for “access for all” and encounter unnecessary overinflated prices.

This needs to change.

I truly believe in this petition and that it could benefit many families – mine included. To date, more than 14,500 people have signed. And some of the supermarkets are starting to listen…

Please sign and share it with your friends, and hopefully together we can make a difference. You can view and sign the petition here.