As others have said, it's not a question of "having diapers" vs "not having diapers". It's a question of convenience for the parents to not use another cheap alternative -- cloth diapers. Also, we already have many assistance programs and I would like to understand the specifics of a situation that leaves someone without enough money to buy even disposable diapers if they're already on assistance.
Further, where does it end?
"I want a good brand of disposable diapers, not the cheap ones" (Note: a lot of working families are buying those cheap diapers!)
"I want a $1000 stroller with an easy-collapse handle and nice tires so my kids don't get jostled as I take them over bumps in the park"
"I need a subsidy for a minivan because a small car is very inconvenient with kids"
"I need a subsidy for ORGANIC food, not just any food for my babies."
etc.
The standard could easily become more than the average US household income, without even trying hard to grow the list.
Remember, it's not about ability to have any diapers at all, they're arguing that they deserve a higher standard of convenience.
Meanwhile, I need to commute to work an obscene distance because NIMBYs won't allow more housing to be built, keeping me away from my children for many more hours than I would otherwise need to. But please, prioritize taxing me even more to pay for conveniences for people who are home with their kids while I work to feed mine.
As a middle class white couple we have never had a problem affording diapers mostly because between showers, grandparents, and other middle class friends with babies, most everything else from strollers to clothing for the first two years has been provided to us for free. Perhaps another unrecognized perk of living in certain social circles?
It's a question of convenience for the parents to not use another cheap alternative -- cloth diapers
Time spent cleaning cloth diapers is time not spent working and earning money.
Being poor is expensive. Being poor means you are on an hourly wage in shift work not a salary. That means half an hour late for work means half an hour less money.
Or a subsidy on diaper cleaning services. Cloth diapers with a service are price-comparable to disposables currently and otherwise better in several other ways.
I have to assume you've never looked after a baby full time, or your babies have been exceptionally well behaved. It's easily a full-time job, especially if you have another child already.
Further, where does it end?
"I want a good brand of disposable diapers, not the cheap ones" (Note: a lot of working families are buying those cheap diapers!)
"I want a $1000 stroller with an easy-collapse handle and nice tires so my kids don't get jostled as I take them over bumps in the park"
"I need a subsidy for a minivan because a small car is very inconvenient with kids"
"I need a subsidy for ORGANIC food, not just any food for my babies."
etc.
The standard could easily become more than the average US household income, without even trying hard to grow the list.
Remember, it's not about ability to have any diapers at all, they're arguing that they deserve a higher standard of convenience.
Meanwhile, I need to commute to work an obscene distance because NIMBYs won't allow more housing to be built, keeping me away from my children for many more hours than I would otherwise need to. But please, prioritize taxing me even more to pay for conveniences for people who are home with their kids while I work to feed mine.