Diaper vending machines help on-the-go parents - Preston Hollow

Photography courtesy of Erin England.

A few years ago, Preston Hollow neighbor Erin England was a new mother and saw a need in the marketplace to alleviate stress on parents.

England founded Diaper Concierge, a vending machine for baby products in public spaces, inspired by her own experiences as a new mom. While caring for her now 7-year-old daughter, Alexandra, she often ran out of diapers in public.

“I had lunch one time at a restaurant and I go to change her diaper and I come up empty,” England said. “I remember in that moment, looking over and I saw the tampon machine hanging on the wall. I thought to myself, ‘Wouldn’t that be great if I could buy a diaper?’ Later on, I started thinking about it more: I can buy a couple of things from many machines. A $200 pair of Bose headphones or a full set of makeup, but I couldn’t get a necessity like a diaper.”

In 2019, she filed for the company Diaper Concierge, and by 2021, the vending machines were installed at popular venues like airports and stadiums. Each machine is digital, user-friendly, wall-mounted and takes up only a few square feet. Diaper Concierge usage spikes during the summer travel rush.

The machines offer five different diaper sizes and kits, each for $3, along with wet wipes, hand sanitizer, backup onesies and paste.

Photography courtesy of Erin England.

“I get [online comments] once a week at least from complete strangers and it’s so motivating,” England said. “They say things like, ‘Where was this when my kids were little’ or, ‘This was a lifesaver at the field today. We also have a lot of dads reach out. It’s been really positive from parents and travelers.”

Diaper Concierge is in the works to expand to Universal Studios in Florida and other terminals at DFW Airport, with installations planned for Houston Hobby and Austin Bergstrom airports. England hopes to replace Disney Parks’ metal diaper dispensers with her machines.

For each diaper sold, Diaper Concierge donates one to the National Diaper Bank Network, a nonprofit ensuring every U.S. child has an adequate supply of diapers.

The vending machines are currently available at DFW International, Love Field, Texarkana Airports and SMU Ford Stadium.