What Do I Do If I Run Out of Diapers and Can't Get to a Store?
4 min read
If you run out of diapers and cannot get to a store, you have three moves in order: make what you have last one more change without harming your baby's skin, get diapers delivered same-hour or from the base shoppette, and if the shortage is not a one-off, line up a diaper bank or your relief society so it does not happen again.
First, make what you have last, safely
If you are down to your last diaper, buy time by changing at the first sign of wet or dirty and giving your baby short, supervised diaper-free stretches on a towel or waterproof pad. Frequent changes and a little air lower the odds of a rash while you sort out more. Do not leave a wet or soiled diaper on longer to conserve. Sitting in it too long is what drives diaper rash, and prolonged soiling raises the risk of skin breakdown and urinary tract infections (American Academy of Pediatrics). See how do you know when to change a diaper.
A size up or down works for one change
In a pinch, a diaper one size too big or too small still holds for a change or two. Size up if you can, since a larger diaper leaks less than a tight one, and fasten the tabs a little snug. Do not make this the plan for days, because the wrong size leaks and blows out. See what size diaper does my child wear.
Get diapers delivered, fast
You may not have to leave home at all. Same-day and same-hour delivery apps bring diapers from a nearby store to your door, often within an hour or two. A 24-hour pharmacy or supercenter can also run curbside so you are in and out in minutes. The per-diaper price matters less tonight than speed does, so pay for the convenience and do the math next time.
Check the base shoppette or exchange
On an installation, the exchange shoppette or Express often carries diapers and baby basics close to housing. Hours vary by base and many are not open around the clock, so call ahead before you drive over. See where can I buy diapers on a military installation.
Ask a neighbor, your FRG, or a unit spouse
Borrowing a handful of diapers is normal, and military communities do this constantly. A neighbor with a baby a size ahead or behind, your unit's family readiness group, or a spouse page can float you a few diapers tonight. Offer to pay it back with a pack when you restock.
For a real shortage, not a one-off: diaper banks and 2-1-1
If running out is about money and not a missed store run, get connected to steady help. A diaper bank gives out free diapers, and you can find one through the National Diaper Bank Network directory or by dialing 2-1-1. See how do I find a diaper bank near me.
If you serve, your relief society can help
Your branch relief society provides emergency financial help for basic needs, diapers included, through interest-free loans and grants. See can a military relief society help me buy diapers.
What not to do
Do not stretch one diaper ALL DAY to make a pack last. Do not tape together paper towels or plastic bags against your baby's skin for hours, since that traps moisture and irritates. Do not size down to make small diapers last, because a too-tight diaper blows out and leaks. The safe play is frequent changes, a temporary size up, and a fast resupply.
Sources
American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org, Diaper Rash: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/diapers-clothing/Pages/Diaper-Rash.aspx
National Diaper Bank Network, Get Help Now: https://nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org/get-help-now/
A sponsor-backed diaper subscription for military families is on the way. Add your family to the waitlist at thetoagency.co/list.