According to recent statistics, diaper sales are plummeting. But that only stands to reason because fewer babies are also being born. As Americans have fewer babies, diaper sales are plummeting according to experts, or so the world’s biggest diaper companies claim.

Birth rates have been on the decline for decades. In places like Ireland and Italy, the birth rate has even dropped below replacement levels. In the U.S. the birth rate has reached historic lows with below replacement levels of 1.76 births per married couple.

If the trend continues, the U.S. will join Europe in the population decline in less than a decade. As a result, the sale of disposable diapers and training pants has decreased some six percent in just one year.

This new reality is beginning to take a substantial toll according to experts. The diaper slump is probably going to be the new normal for the foreseeable future. Procter & Gamble and Kimberly-Clark provide the bulk of America’s diaper supplies and Kimberly-Clark just announced that they will be laying off 13 percent of their workers and closing 10 manufacturing plants as a result.

“You can’t encourage moms to use more diapers in a developed market where the babies aren’t being born,” said chief executive Thomas Falk.

Toys R Us also experienced a decline in sales due to the falling birth rate. Experts believe that is one of the reasons for the store’s closing. Just ten years ago, births were as high as 4.31 million a year with an above replacement level of 2.08 kids per couple.

What do you think of this population decline? Is it a good thing or not? Share this article with your friends and see what they think.