A baby uses 3,000 diapers a year. Why a state lawmaker wants parents to know how they're made

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Each year a baby goes through about 3,000 diapers, essential care products that are in continuous contact with sensitive skin.But manufacturers are not required to completely disclose what disposable diapers are made of, leaving parents in the dark.

That may soon change in California.A bill introduced last month would require companies that make, distribute and sell diapers in the state to list all ingredients on product packaging and online in what would be a major shift toward transparency for the industry.Child health, environmental and consumer advocates have grown concerned over what goes into making disposable diapers, which can contain chemicals, plastics and other ingredients linked to potential health and environmental risks, according to multiple studies, including a 2024 study published in the journal Science of the Total Environment.

If approved, advocacy groups said the bill would give parents more information for decision-making and pressure manufacturers to avoid using ingredients they wouldn’t want to disclose.“We do know it’s feasible, because some companies have already chosen to do this voluntarily,” said Gabe Knight, a senior policy analyst for the safety policy team at Consumer Reports, a nonprofit pushing for consumer transparency and market fairness that is sponsoring the bill.“We just want the rest of the market to do what some companies are already doing and give consumers the information they need.”Engage with our community-funded journalism as we delve into child care, transitional kindergarten, health and other issues affecting children from birth through age 5.AB 1901, which was introduced by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park), would also require manufacturers to disclose the purpose of each ingredient listed.

If enacted, the law would go into effect in January 2028 to give manufacturers time to use up current stock and adjust pac...