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When I welcomed my first child in 2014, my baby shower was a lively affair with nearly 100 friends and family members. The thought of gathering that many people today is enough to make me anxious, but that’s a different story. Despite the common advice for expecting parents to register for baby items, most guests rarely check the registry. Consequently, I didn’t buy diapers for my eldest until he was well over a year old—I had an abundance, which was a blessing considering I was unaware of the cost of newborn diapers.
Fast forward to my second child, born just four months ago, and I faced a harsh reality check: the significant diaper shortage of 2021. That’s right—families are now grappling with the challenge of keeping their little ones dry. The National Diaper Bank Network reports that one in three families in the U.S. struggles with diaper access. Approximately 5 million infants and toddlers reside in low-income households, and unfortunately, government assistance programs like WIC and food stamps don’t cover diapers.
With the ongoing pandemic exacerbating the situation, more families are seeking help from diaper banks due to job losses and financial hardships. The New York Times recently highlighted how the pandemic has disrupted global supply chains, leading to shortages of various products, including diapers. Major diaper manufacturers, such as Kimberly-Clark and Procter & Gamble, have raised their prices this year.
Currently, online retailers sell diaper packs of about 100 for $30 to $50. A newborn typically uses around 10-12 diapers daily, leading to monthly costs of $75 or more for just one baby. I can think of several mothers I know with multiple children in diapers. For some families, this financial strain could mean choosing between purchasing diapers and affording groceries or other essentials.
The guilt parents feel when unable to provide basic necessities is taking a heavy toll on their mental and emotional well-being, yet society often overlooks this struggle. Beyond the costs, there’s an actual shortage of diapers! Even families who can afford them sometimes find store shelves bare. As a mother of a four-month-old, I’ve had to visit several stores to find the right diaper size. Just last week, I even considered putting my daughter in diapers two sizes too large when we ran out during a family trip, simply because local stores were out of her size. Not every family has the time or resources to deal with this.
In February, Senator Jenna Moore introduced The End Diaper Need Act of 2021, a proposed initiative to provide funding for low-income families’ diaper needs through the Social Services Block Grant Program. It would also permit states to use Medicaid funds to cover “medically necessary” diapers. Now, we can only hope our government acts swiftly on this. In the meantime, families affected by the diaper shortage or economic challenges can seek immediate assistance through local resources.
Understanding Diaper Banks
Diaper banks and pantries are nonprofit organizations dedicated to alleviating diaper need by collecting, storing, and distributing free diapers to families in need. They source diapers through community drives, donations, or by purchasing them with donated funds. The National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) comprises over 200 community-based diaper banks, food banks, and diaper pantries working tirelessly to support families across all 50 states and Washington D.C.
To locate a diaper bank near you or for information on starting one, visit National Diaper Bank Network.
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