The Evolution of Baby Diapers from Past to Present

Turkchem 20 Sep 2019 60 4 dk okuma

TURKCHEM

Summary

In its simplest definition, the term innovation can be described as developing products, processes and services to solve previously unsolved problems or meet unmet needs. When looking at work done on baby diapers, almost all of it can be seen as innovations born from necessity to make parents' lives easier. Since the invention of disposable baby diapers in the 1930s, they have been continuously improved and refined over the years. This study examines the evolution of baby diapers from the past to the present and discusses current research and possible innovations that await us in the future.

Introduction

Most people think baby diapers emerged recently. However, the history of baby diapers extends back to the history of civilization. The baby diapering ritual has been based on many diverse methods and materials depending on people's traditions, cultures and geographical regions over the years. For example, in Africa, people did not diaper their babies at all despite certain health problems caused by feces and urine; they only covered their private areas with a piece of cloth for privacy. It is known that the Japanese in ancient times generally cut and used kimonos as diapers, and in some South American communities dried grass or rabbit skin was placed inside fabrics to absorb liquid. [1]. In some parts of China, babies wearing clothing with holes in shorts or trousers that allow them to defecate in the street can still be found. [2]. Until the Industrial Revolution in the 1820s, there was little change in baby diapers. By the end of the 1800s, small geometrical-shaped diapers were replaced by diapers made from linen or hairy fabrics.

Image 1: Visual of a baby wearing linen cloth diaper

In 1887, Marien Allen invented the safety pin to prevent leakage of feces and urine from the diaper and to keep the diaper tighter on the baby. [3]. In the 1940s, particularly during World War II, with an increase in the number of working mothers, the need for convenient, practical and sustainable diapers arose. American Marion Donovan worked on solving the problem of cloth diaper leakage and in 1946 invented the first plastic-coated, leak-proof baby diaper made from shower curtains used at home. [4]. In the 1980s, with the introduction of SAP (super absorbent polymer – theoretically absorbs up to 50 times its own weight in liquid) to baby diaper production, much more absorbent baby diapers began to be manufactured. [2]. Alongside work to improve diaper performance, one area of work aimed at baby health and addressing problems caused by diapers was the breathable outer surface. Thanks to the air-permeable outer surface, as the baby's skin breathes at all times, it was aimed to reduce redness, irritation and similar problems. [1]. The diaper consists of: the innermost layer in contact with the baby's skin (topsheet), barriers from the sides of the diaper to help prevent leakage, a layer below the top layer that helps absorb and distribute liquid (ADL), super absorbent polymers (SAP) that are contained in the absorbent layer where urine is held, and pulp fiber (cellulose) that ensures homogeneous distribution of SAP particles, the outer surface of the diaper mostly featuring breathable properties (backsheet), elastics to provide the desired elasticity of the diaper, adhesive side tapes generally featuring resealable properties used to attach the diaper to the baby, the front tape which is the area where the side tapes are adhered, a decorative outer layer, and adhesive materials that bond all these components together. Image 2 shows the detail of the components that make up a typical baby diaper mentioned above:

Image 2: Baby diaper components

Today, research on baby diapers varies by geographical region. For example, while thick diaper use is common in African regions, in Europe research focuses on thinner diapers better suited to the baby's anatomy. [1]. In Japan and China, research into softness takes the spotlight. Additionally, lotion, wax and oil treatments are applied to diapers to prevent skin problems. [4]. With the widespread use of the internet in recent years, diaper sales online are increasing every day and making parents' lives easier. [5]. With technological development, it is possible to inform parents about information on when the baby urinates, and in the future it will be possible to diagnose disease from urine. [1]. Work done on baby diapers is not limited to increasing diaper performance; work is also being done to leave behind an environment for future generations to live in. In the last quarter century, without experiencing any loss in diaper performance, the weight of the diaper has dropped approximately 40 percent through the reduction in quantities of cellulose and other materials used in it. As a result, air and water emissions have decreased, and the negative impact of this reduction on global warming or acidification has been mitigated. [6]. Again, within the scope of environmental protection, work is being done on flushable materials, meaning materials that can be disposed of after use, and in this way waste released to nature will be reduced. [5].

Conclusion

This study addresses innovations in baby diapers from the past to the present, the needs from which these innovations arose, and improvements made to baby diapers. Additionally, both ongoing work today and future innovations in diapers are discussed, and it is predicted that an environmentally protective approach will play a major role in baby diaper production and that efforts to leave a cleaner environment for future generations will increase. Ezgi Sayınkaplan Chemical Engineer Senior R&D Engineer Evyap Sabun Yağ Gliserin San. ve Tic. A.Ş.