What are diapers made of?
It’s hard to imagine a world without convenience. A time when cloth diapers reigned supreme as the one and only option for parents. So here’s a brief history of diapers before we dive in to the materials that make up today’s livable, breathable, disposable diaper.
It’s hard to imagine a world without convenience. A time when cloth diapers reigned supreme as the one and only option for parents. So here’s a brief history of diapers before we dive in to the materials that make up today’s livable, breathable, disposable diaper.
For ages, there was no disposable diaper option. None of those name-brand selections — only cloth. Then, in 1942, along came the world’s first ever disposable diaper, which was crafted in Sweden. The United States adopted the disposable diaper six years later, when Johnson & Johnson put its first one on the market. To say the least, it was an exciting time for parents to be parenting!
Another development in diaper history and a game changer for baby caretakers everywhere ensued in the late 1940s/early 1950s, when Marion Donovan’s invention of a waterproof diaper cover referred to as the “Boater” entered the scene. For the first time, diapers were being thought of in a more holistic way, as instruments for functionality that could do more than catch waste. This innovation eventually led to the exploration of absorption. These are a few of the advancements that have brought us to now — to a design informed by the past. To a design more comfortable, more durable and more fit for babies today.
To get into the simple science of it all, today’s diaper consists of an absorbent pad and non-woven fabric sheets to fit baby comfortably and securely. The pad is composed of superabsorbent polymers (SAP), which are crystal-like materials that soak up several times their weight, and wood pulp, which helps to distribute liquid more proportionately and add cushioning. These materials work well to retain liquid at the core, which is why they’re also used in feminine hygiene products. It’s true that because the diaper is designed so thoughtfully, its success retaining liquid can instigate diaper rash. Sometimes there is little to be done to prepare against it, and that’s no one’s fault. The science is too good. But Buddle’s science is good too, and we’re here to step in and help where help is needed.
Now that we are a little bit more educated on the makeup of the modern diaper, hopefully we can look at the past for a laugh and appreciate the present more! At the end of the day, it’s important to give your baby the best and know that it’s enough to just love them and protect them from those flareups.
Resources:
https://www.edana.org/nw-related-industry/what-is-sap
https://www.lilbabycakes.com/pages/history-of-baby-diapers