The pandemic supply chain has claimed yet another victim – diapers.
With widespread shortages, prices are skyrocketing, putting many parents in a bind.
"They're expensive. Everything is expensive right now," said Michael, parent of a two-year-old child surveying the spread of diapers at an East Bay Walmart. "We have seen our grocery bill go up to $150." According to Michael, diapers have increased in cost by $2 to $4 a bag.
Two leading diaper manufacturers raised their prices this year due to supply chain issues.
"Find a way to bring the prices down. Please. Especially for the average worker, you know, the person who doesn’t make six figures," said Michael.
On average, it costs a family $75 to $100 to keep a baby in diapers, according to Joanne Samuel-Goldblum, CEO of the National Diaper Bank Network.
"Families who are living week-to-week and are buying diapers from a corner store or gas station – the diapers cost much, much more," she said.
Samuel-Goldblum estimated that one in three American families are struggling to pay for diapers.
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Some people are turning to reusable or cloth diapers but, "less than 15% of Americans use cloth diapers," she said.
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