JUST ANNOUNCED: The New Era of Leadership 2024 Award Winners

Winner

Baby2Baby

Innovative

How a Manufacturing Innovation Is Helping More Families Affords Diapers

Nearly half of families in the United States struggle to afford diapers — which now cost $1,000 a year on average. That’s where Baby2Baby comes in. The nonprofit provides diapers, clothing, and basic necessities to children living in poverty across the country. Its star-studded galas, which raise millions of dollars, have counted Salma Hayek, Jessica Alba, Kim Kardashian and Heidi Klum as guests. But the nonprofit isn’t just raising money and awareness—it’s also making crucial innovations to make diapers more affordable. In 2021, Baby2Baby developed its own manufacturing system that produces diapers at 80% less than the retail cost. The organization also successfully advocated to remove sales taxes from diapers in California in 2020. And in 2023, Baby2Baby announced a partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide 3,000 new mothers with a Newborn Supply Kit, which includes diapers, wipes, clothing, blankets and thermometers for newborns, and postpartum pads, lotion, cold packs, breastfeeding supplies, and carriers for new moms. Baby2Baby now serves more than one million children every year in all 50 states, providing over 375 million critical items to those in need.

By Audrey Goodson Kingo