The Truth About Disposable Diapers

For most new parents in the U.S. today, the choice of how to diaper their baby is a decision that requires little thought. Many families comparison shop among different brands of disposable diapers, but very few even consider the option of cloth diapers. Since disposable diapers became widely marketed and available in 1961, they have become synonymous with baby care. However, many families don't know many facts about the item they use so frequently.

History

• According to DisposableDiaper.net, the invention of the disposable diaper was a gradual process: different inventors had similar ideas at the same time. The first disposable diaper was probably one used in Sweden in 1942 and consisted of a tissue pad inside rubber pants. In 1947, Henry Frede & Company manufactured a disposable diaper, and in 1949 CHUX disposable diapers were manufactured by Chicopee and marketed for use while traveling by plane. However, disposable diapers did not become common or widely available until 1961, when Proctor & Gamble began manufacturing Pampers, using cellulose fiber in place of paper as the absorbent material.

Ingredients

• A disposable diaper consists of five main parts: a polyethylene waterproof backing, a tissue lining that protects the backing, an absorbent core, an acquisition and distribution layer, and a hydrophilic non-woven sheet that lies against the baby's skin. The absorbent core includes cellulose, made from tree pulp, and sodium polyacrylate, a manufactured chemical also called super-absorbent polymers that makes the core very absorbent. The acquisition and distribution layer, made of a nonwoven fiber or plastic, is what creates the stay-dry feeling against the baby's skin. Other components include the elastic and tape used to fit and attach the diaper and the adhesives used to hold the materials together. Many diapers also include lotion in the top sheet and ink for decoration.

Function

• Disposable diapers can absorb a large amount of urine and hold it away from the baby's skin, creating a feel-dry effect that prevents the baby from feeling wetness against his skin. This may help reduce diaper rash and makes diapering more convenient for families. However, according to Diaper Net, the urine in a wet diaper can still breed bacteria even though it feels dry. Disposable diapers should usually be changed at least every two hours, even though they can usually be used for much longer without leaking.

Effects

• Disposable diapers have made life more convenient for many families. They leak less than the cloth diapers that were used before their invention, and since they require no washing or maintenance, they are easier to use. However, they also have a variety of effects on the environment and on baby's health. According to Diaper Net, approximately 18 billion diapers are deposited in landfills annually. Some studies, such as one done at the University of Kiel in 2000, have indicated that the reduced breathability of disposables as compared to cloth may create a raised temperature inside the diaper that is unhealthy for male babies. In addition, children today complete potty training at older ages, and many experts believe that later training may be caused by the stay-dry feeling and convenience of disposable diapers. They are also much more expensive to use than cloth, costing an average of $4,000 per child over a two-year period, according to Diaper Net.

Expert Insight

• According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, "what is more important than the type of diaper is how often it is changed. Whether you use cloth diapers, disposables, or both, always change diapers as needed to keep your baby clean, dry, and healthy."