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The down economy may have claimed yet another unexpected victim: adorable baby behinds. According to Advertising Age, sales of diapers versus diaper creams and ointments paint a grim picture for baby bums. The trade magazine cites SymphonyIRI data that shows disposable diaper sales plunged 9 percent from the previous year, while sales of diaper rash related items jumped 2.8 percent -- despite fewer babies born this past year. That’s a lot of red fannies!
So what does all this data really mean? Probably that parents are changing their kids diapers less frequently, likely in an attempt to stretch that pricey diaper just a bit longer. Parents of young kids typically cough up $1,500 a year in diapers, according to the article -- and when a household is struggling with unemployment and other rising costs, that’s a lot of dough.
An American tot usually gets a their dipe changed 6.3 times a day, according to Proctor and Gamble (the makers of Pampers). The company reported that it's noticed that parents are pushing potty training earlier to save money. And Parenting.com points out that the decrease in diapers could also indicate a switch to cloth diapers.
As a mom of a diaper-wearing tot, I can't help but feel grateful for having the resources to buy my little guy more absorbant disposable diapers whenever he runs out. I take that for granted, but this sobering data remind me that many parents do not.
If you're feeling a twinge of guilt about having fresh dipes literally at your disposal, consider donating a box of diapers to a local charity. You can also visit Help A Mother Out to learn more about donating diapers and other supplies to parents and kids in need.
