New Books Network Jennifer Randles, "Living Diaper to Diaper: The Hidden Crisis of Poverty and Motherhood" (U California Press, 2026)
Mar 5, 2026
Jennifer Randles, a sociologist studying family inequality, explains why diaper access matters. She discusses diaper insecurity’s links to daycare, work, and safety-net gaps. Listeners hear about the history of disposables, the rise of diaper banks, inventive parenting strategies, and proposed policy fixes to expand diaper access.
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Disposable Diapers Became A Social Necessity
- Disposable diapers became a social necessity as daycare requirements and women's increasing paid work made cloth impractical.
- By the 1980s–90s disposables dominated, now used by ~95% of U.S. children and costing families about $100–$120 monthly.
Diaper Costs Are Large And Largely Uncovered
- Diaper costs are substantial and poorly covered by safety-net programs, making diaper insecurity widespread.
- Average diaper spending exceeds $1,000 annually while most public programs like WIC do not systematically cover diapers.
Policy Blindness Fueled By Misconceptions About Cloth
- Policy gaps persist because many assume cloth diapers are a cheap alternative or that existing programs like WIC cover diapers.
- Cloth diapering often isn't feasible for low-income families due to startup costs, daycare rules, and laundry access.
