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When I welcomed my first child in 2014, I celebrated with a baby shower that drew nearly 100 friends and family members. Just the thought of being in a crowd like that now makes me anxious, but that’s beside the point. Despite the constant reminders for moms to create baby registries, most guests hardly ever consult them. As a result, I was fortunate enough to receive a mountain of diapers and didn’t have to buy any for my eldest until he was well over a year old. I was blissfully unaware of the true cost of diapers for a newborn.
Fast forward to my second child, born just four months ago, and I faced a harsh reality. Welcome to the diaper shortage of 2021.
That’s right, folks—families are struggling more than ever to keep their babies dry. According to the National Diaper Bank Network, one in three families in the U.S. faces diaper need. With around 5 million infants and toddlers living in low-income households, the issue is dire. Unfortunately, government assistance programs like WIC and food stamps don’t cover diaper expenses.
The ongoing pandemic has further exacerbated this situation, pushing more families to seek help from local diaper banks due to job losses and financial hardships. A recent article in the New York Times highlighted how the pandemic has disrupted global supply chains, leading to shortages of various products, including diapers. Major manufacturers like Kimberly-Clark and Procter & Gamble have raised the prices of baby products this year.
Currently, a pack of 100 diapers averages between $30 and $50 online. Given that a newborn can go through 10 to 12 diapers a day, many families find themselves spending over $75 monthly for one child’s diapering needs. I know several moms with multiple children in diapers, and for them, this expense could mean choosing between diapers and groceries or other essentials.
The emotional burden of not being able to provide basic necessities weighs heavily on parents, and unfortunately, this struggle is often overlooked by society. Beyond the cost, there is a real shortage of diapers! Even families who can afford them are finding store shelves bare. As a mom to a four-month-old, I’ve had to visit multiple stores to find the right diaper size. Just last week, I even considered using diapers that were two sizes too big when we ran out during a family trip, simply because no local store stocked her size. Not everyone has the luxury of time or resources to navigate this dilemma.
In February, Senator Lisa Ramirez introduced The End Diaper Need Act of 2021, aimed at providing additional funding for diaper supplies to low-income families through the Social Services Block Grant Program. It would also allow states to allocate Medicaid funds for medically necessary diapers. Now, we can only hope that our government acts swiftly on this proposal—but don’t hold your breath!
If you’re impacted by the diaper shortage or the economic fallout of the pandemic, local assistance options are available.
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 local drives, donations, and by purchasing them with donated funds. The National Diaper Bank Network (NDNB) is made up of over 200 community-based diaper banks, pantries, and food banks across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
To locate a diaper bank near you or learn how to start one, visit www.nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org.
This article was originally published on Oct. 7, 2021.
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Summary
The diaper shortage of 2021 poses a significant challenge for families across the U.S., affecting even those who can typically afford these essentials. With the pandemic exacerbating this issue, many parents find themselves struggling to provide even the most basic needs for their children. Diaper banks are a vital resource in this crisis, offering assistance to those in need.
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