The Diaper Rash Indicator
Sad but (apparently) true:
Diapering costs are one of the first things we trim back on in a recession. Ad Age reported that this cutback shows up in the form of rising sales of diaper-rash cream, even at a time when the infant population has declined. According to Symphony IRI data, unit sales of disposable diapers fell 9 percent in the 52 weeks ended August 7; but unit sales of diaper rash creams rose 2.8 percent. All this, in spite of fewer babies.
