Governor Newsom Signs Berman Bill to Improve Transparency for Children’s Diaper Ingredients

SACRAMENTO, CA - Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1901, which would increase transparency for diaper ingredients, giving parents necessary information about diaper chemicals linked to health and environmental risks.

"As new parents, my wife and I were shocked to see the lack of transparency about the ingredients used in the one product that is touching our son's skin every hour of every day for the first few years of his life - his diapers," said Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park). "By requiring diaper manufacturers to disclose the ingredients they use, AB 1901 creates a new industry-wide standard of transparency for children's diapers. Thanks to Governor Newsom signing AB 1901 into law, parents in California will now have the information they need to make the best choice for their child."

Recent testing shows many diapers are made with ingredients linked to health and environmental concerns. These include phthalates, which are linked to hormone disruption, and bleaching agents, which can cause skin and respiratory irritation. Volatile organic compounds are often used in diapers and can include hazardous air pollutants like toluene and xylene, which are associated with respiratory and other health harms. In addition, certain wetness indicators and colorful designs may contain harmful compounds, heavy metals, or dyes that can cause allergic contact dermatitis.

"Transparency isn't about causing fear but about replacing uncertainty with the facts parents need to protect their children," said Susan Little, California Legislative Director at EWG. "And because an infant's thin skin absorbs chemicals more easily, hidden ingredients like phthalates can trigger a lifetime of health challenges. We thank Governor Newsom for prioritizing children's health and signing this bill. California parents shouldn't need a chemistry degree to buy a diaper. They deserve to know exactly what is touching their child's skin, and disclosure is the essential first step to getting them that," said Little.

AB 1901 requires manufacturers of any children's diaper distributed or manufactured in California to disclose on a publicly accessible web page a list of all intentionally added ingredients by January 1, 2029. In addition, each ingredient's Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number and each ingredient's specific function or purpose in the diaper must be posted.

"AB 1901 passed with the support of more than 330 organizations through The Children's Movement because parents want and deserve to know the ingredients used to make the diapers their kids wear every day," said Ted Lempert, President of Children Now. "This Pro-Kid bill is a huge step towards protecting kids from harmful chemicals in diapers and allowing parents to make educated decisions for their kids. We thank Assemblymember Berman for his leadership and Governor Newsom for standing with families and signing AB 1901 into law."

By July 1, 2029, all diapers sold must include a list of all intentionally added ingredients and a web address where consumers can find the full ingredient information on the outermost packaging.

"When companies are transparent about what they're putting in their products, consumers win. This law will ensure that parents and caregivers in California will have the information they need to make informed choices about which diapers are best for their baby," said Oriene Shin, manager for safety advocacy for Consumer Reports. "Consumer Reports encourages additional states to introduce similar bills so that Americans across the country can shop confidently for their little ones. We thank Assemblymember Berman for his leadership on this important issue, and commend Governor Newsom and the California legislature for standing with families."

AB 1901 follows in the footsteps of previous California legislation requiring heavy metal testing and public disclosure for baby food, as well as a 2024 New York law requiring diaper packaging to list ingredients.

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Assemblymember Marc Berman represents the 23rd Assembly District, which includes southern San Mateo County and northern Santa Clara County in the heart of the Silicon Valley. Website of Assemblymember Marc Berman:www.assembly.ca.gov/Berman. Assemblymember Marc Berman's official headshot is availablehere.