Borderland parents try to cope with diaper prices going up: ‘It’s really expensive’

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- It might soon cost the average American more money to pick up one household essential: disposable diapers. Retail sales tracker NielsenIQ reports diaper price have gone up nearly 9% in the year ending this April. Now, some companies that produce major brands are raising prices too.

"It's really expensive," said Borderpland parent Alexander Bello.

Kimberly-Clark, which makes Huggies and Pull-Ups, announced a diaper price increase this month. Procter & Gamble, which produces Pampers and Luvs, is set to raise prices in September.

The extra dollars can add up and can make a difference for some local parents.

"Babies, they require a lot of changing," Bello said. "You can imagine how much I'm spending every week just to buy and replenish. It's quite a burden."

Local nonprofit Guiding Star El Paso is trying to help. The organization has been hosting at least one diaper drive every month during the pandemic.

The price hikes are hitting them too.

"Initially we were able to have a contract with a company that was able to provide us diapers at a quarter of a price of when you walk into a store and buy a box of diapers," said Deana Magallon, Director of Operations at Guiding Star El Paso. "Three months ago, they discontinued that discount."

"That takes a big hit on our budget," she added.

Magallon said the group is seeking volunteers to help secure new deals that could help the program continue.

"I was interviewing a single mom of two children. She lost her employment," she said. "She's been evicted and she said, 'I can't even afford.. I was used to paying a price for diapers and the diapers going up $3 up in price is impacting her."

Diaper donations and financial donations can also assist the organization in its efforts. You can find more information here.

The next diaper drive will take place June 17 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1414 E. Rio Grande Avenue in El Paso.