Massachusettes lawmakers are proposing legislation that would create a new fund to give grants to organizations that distribute free diapers. They envision an initial one-year pilot program that provides money to up to 12 organizations, distributed throughout the state. The size of the fund would be determined by the Legislature.

The lawmakers say the program is needed because of the necessity and cost of diapers. According to the National Diaper Bank Network, children typically require around 10 diapers a day, and the average family with a baby will spend $75 a month on disposable diapers — or $900 a year. While cloth diapers are an option, most laundromats do not allow cloth diapers to be washed in their machines.

“The choice between changing a dirty diaper or providing (a baby) with formula to have healthy nutrition are the wrong choices we’re asking families to make right now,” bill co-sponsor Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli says .

Pignatelli said private diaper drives are not sufficient to cover the need poor families have for diapers.

Ellen Jawitz, family resource coordinator for the Jewish Family and Children’s Service’s Center for Early Relationship Support, said there are only a few diaper pantries available, generally in the Greater Boston area, and most are only open to residents of specific towns. The supplies they provide are limited.