Breakfast with Baby

Free diapers for every baby in need
and spiritual support for their parents

Get ready!
Our first-ever resource fair for expectant
moms, new moms, and moms of little ones!
"Mama's Got Resources!"

About Breakfast with Baby

Breakfast with Baby is a program ministry of The Salvation Army in Des Plaines, IL. We are currently serving in a drive-through format from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the SECOND Saturday of the month.

Once a month we distribute free packages of diapers and baby wipes to eligible babies. Mothers can also select gently-used baby clothing, toys, and strollers—whatever has been donated.

In order to serve the greatest number of families, we only purchase Newborn and Sizes 1 through 4 diapers. Larger sizes are only available when they have been donated and even then we give half the number of the other sizes in order to help more people.

Through a demonstration of Christ's love for all, Breakfast with Baby supports the well-being of growing families.

Visit us on Facebook

Breakfast with Baby brochure.pdf

2024 Statistics

Diaper Need

Diaper need is the lack of a sufficient supply of diapers to keep a baby or toddler clean, dry, and healthy.

— National Diaper Bank Network

Myth #1
Government assistance programs cover the cost of diapers.

They do NOT. Diapers cannot be purchased with food stamps (SNAP / LINK) because they are considered paper goods. WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) also does NOT provide them.

When forced to choose, many women will buy diapers rather than food! Why? Because they can usually get food from a local food pantry or church. There is almost nowhere to get free diapers.

Breakfast with Baby gives away over 100,000 diapers every year.

Myth #2
Cloth diapers are an option.

Most childcare centers require parents to provide a day’s supply of diapers – without this, babies can’t go to daycare, and their parents can’t go to work.

Cloth diapers require easy access to washing facilities. Many low-income families do not have this luxury.

Myth #3
Diapers aren't really that expensive.

Living paycheck to paycheck you can't afford almost $10 for 30 diapers--just a 3 days' supply!

Our Impact in 2024

Families Served
1,511

Babies Helped
2,030

Diapers Given
100,530

Can You Help?

Lack of Diapers Has
Serious Impacts

Lack of Diapers by the Numbers

1 in 3 American moms has to choose between food and diapers. She will most often buy diapers and hope to get food from a local agency. Free diapers are very scarce.
A normal infant uses 10-12 diapers a day. That’s 300-360 diapers a month!
The price of diapers ranges widely depending on where they are purchased. Not everyone can afford to buy in bulk or has transportation to box stores.

Lack of Diapers Impact on Babies

Increased disease risk--diaper rash, staph infections, hepatitis. Lack of diapers means a baby may only be changed once a day. Or the disposable diaper may be emptied or rinsed and reused.
Increased child abuse—babies cry more when wearing dirty diapers which can lead to Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Lack of Diapers Impact on Families

Emotional stress – imagine not being able to soothe your crying baby because you don’t have a clean diaper to use.
Financial stress – families cut back on other basics, such as food, heat and electricity to pay for diapers.
Caregivers leave the workforce because they can’t buy disposable diapers for daycare.

We Have Free Diapers!

Once a month, Breakfast with Baby distributes diapers to families who are struggling financially. The mother must be at least 7 months pregnant or have a baby under 2 years of age to qualify.

Testimonials

When our little guy was born, I was working as a contract employee. It was supposed to go permanent but never did. The assignment ended three weeks before Baby was born.

Down to one income, we made "too much money" according to state and federal agencies to get assistance & had no money left after rent & food. We had spent our meager savings & were scared. We still needed all kinds of baby gear desperately, but didn't even have enough extra money to stock up on costly diapers. We were really in a bind.

Enter Breakfast with Baby. Every need was met for over a year, month after month until we were back on our feet.

Michelle L.

How You Can Help

Money Donations

Monetary donations should be made to The Salvation Army in Des Plaines which keeps a custodial account for Breakfast with Baby.

Money is NEVER spent for anything other than diapers and baby wipes.

Repackaging Diapers

Have a couple of hours one Friday morning a month? Diapers that are donated and purchased need to be repackaged for distribution. Baby clothing needs to be sorted by size and gender.

Physical Donations

Whether it's handmade bibs or crocheted blankets, whether it's a package of diapers or baby wipes, physical donations are always welcome. Many are saving and collecting baby clothes and toys for Breakfast with Baby, too. They can all be dropped off at 609 W. Dempster Street in Des Plaines. Please be sure that they are brought into the building.

Saturday Giveaway

Volunteer one Saturday a month to hand out packages of diapers, break down boxes, or help refill clothing bins. Current hours are 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Host a Diaper Drive!

If your club, church, business, or scout troop would like to hold a diaper drive, we are happy to help publicize it. Several of our partners hold annual events, particularly Our Lady of Hope in Rosemont and MBD Martial Arts Academy in Des Plaines. Every year the Kiwanis Club in Des Plaines unites with eKiwanis of Greater Chicago sponsor a baby shower for Breakfast with Baby.