Summary
The word innovation, in it is simplest definition, may be defined as the improvement of the product, process and service in order to resolve previously unresolved issues or respond to unmet needs. Nearly all studies on diapers can be observed to be innovations born out of need in order to make the life of parents easier.
Since the invention of disposable diapers in 1930, they have been continuously improved for years and became much lighter. In this study, the change of diapers has been examined from ancient times to our day, and possible innovations that await us in the future or advancements in our day have been addressed.
Introduction
The majority of people think that the history of diapers do not date back to old times, and they have come into our lives in a relatively recent time. On contrary with these opinions, diapers date back to the history of civilization.
Diapering ritual is based on various methods or materials depending on traditions, culture and geography of people. For example, especially in Africa, people do not use diapers for their babies due to the warm climate, and they were observed to cover their privates with a cloth only out of discretion.
In ancient times, Japanese were seen to generally use cloths that have been cut out from kimonos, and some South American populations are known to use dried grass or rabbit skin inside the cloth in order to absorb the liquid [1].
In some regions of China, some children can still be observed to wear open-crotch shorts or pants (clothes with holes over the crotch) in order to allow them to urinate or defecate on the street [2]. Not backshemany changes have been determined until the Industrial Revolution on 1820’s.
At the end of 1800’s, the diapers obtained from cloths cut-out in small geographic shapes were replaced with rectangular folded clothes made from linen or shaggy textiles.
Figure 1: A baby wearing baby diaper made of linen textile
In 1887, safety pins have been invented by Marien Allen in order to prevent feces and urine leaking from the diaper and to allow the baby to wear the diaper more securely [3].
In 1940’s, particularly during World War 2, the number of working mothers have significantly increased.
With mothers joining the work force, they could not spare much time for chores such as washing and drying diapers, and a need has arisen in that period for useful, practical and sustainable diapers.
Since used diapers give the liquid out and cause leaking, working mothers were in a very difficult situation during World War 2, not only because of having to wash diapers, but also due to the problem caused by piles of other laundry caused by leaking.
In USA, Marion Donovan has recognized that the use of cloth diapers was not really useful or practical due to leaking, and she was to first to invent a plastic coated, leakproof diaper from shower curtains while working on alternatives in 1946 [4].
In 1980’s, a new age has started in disposable diaper use with the use of Super acrylic polymer (SAP), which theoretically absorbs an amount of liquid 50 times of its own weight, in diaper production [1].
In addition to studies on improving diaper performance, innovations were performed to improve baby’s health and recover problems caused by the diaper, one of which is breathable outer surface.
With the help of air-permeable outer surface, it was targeted to reduce problems such as rash and irritation since baby skin can breathe all the time.
The diaper consists of: a nonwowen textile in contact with the baby’s skin on the inner top layer (topsheet), leak-proof barriers on the sides of the diaper (cuff), an acquisition/distribution layer (ADL) below top layer, absorbent core structure to trap the urine, super absorbent polymers (SAP) on the absorbent layer, pulp to provide homogeneous distribution of SAP particles, a mostly breathable outer surface that prevents the urine to pass through the baby’s clothes (backsheet), bands to provide intended elongation for the barriers (elastics), adhesive side tapes used for attaching the diaper on the baby that can generally be opened and closed again (side tape), frontal tapes to attach side tapes while diapering the baby, a decorative outer layer and adhesive raw materials for attaching all of these components together. Figure 2 details these components of a typical diaper stated above:
Figure 2: Components of a typical diaper
There are ongoing studies about diapers on the parameters that directly affect the baby’s health, and on environmental sensitivity. The studies performed on diapers varies according to geography.
For instance, the use of thick diapers are more common in Africa due to the perception of being more absorbent and protective, while common trends and studies in Europe are performed on thinner, compact diapers with integrated diaper layers and core integrity [1].
Studies on softness are more common in the Far East, especially in Japan and China. Another innovation of baby diapers is the application of lotions, wax or oil on the skin contact area of the diaper, which has been the center of focus lately.
By this way, it is targeted to reduce problems on baby skin with the help of oils that balance the pH value of baby’s skin, protects the moisture balance of the skin and poses a type of soothing effect [4]. In our day, there is a major effect on both customers and manufacturers caused by worldwide internet use.
Most parents or caretakers has use online shopping due to reasons such as being able to compare the prices of products and purchasing the same product for a cheaper price and faster without getting up from their place [5].
Moreover, with the advancements in internet and widespread use of smart phones, it is even possible to communicate to the parents that the baby has urinated with the help of electronic devices [1].
Studies are not limited with skin protection or increasing diaper performance, there are also studies on leaving a habitable nature and clean environment for new generations that will use the diaper.
Considering the weight of baby diapers in the last 25 years, it can be seen that there is about 40% decrease obtained by reducing the amount of materials such as cellulose without suffering any performance loss.
By this way, air and water emission has reduced and their negative effects such as global warming or acidification have also decreased [6]. Under the scope of environmental protection, there are studies on flushability, which are materials that can be decomposed by themselves, and therefore the effect posed on nature will be mitigated. Studies are continuing on baby diapers, targeting the release of such products in the future [5].
Conclusion
The points addressed in this study are the innovations in diapers from past to present, the needs originating these innovations, and the improvements in diaper production after these innovations.
Moreover, future innovations were mentioned for diapers, either from ongoing contemporary studies or in line with current needs, and it is estimated that the environmentalist, conservationist approach that is becoming more widespread day by day will play a large role in diaper production and studies will be increased on leaving a cleaner environment for new generations.
Ezgi Sayınkaplan
Chemical Engineer, MSc
Senior R&D Engineer
Evyap Sabun Yağ Gliserin
San. ve Tic. A.Ş.
References
1. http://bestdisposablediapers.com/history-of-best-disposable-diapers-revolution-from-past-to-present/ (Son Erişim Tarihi: 07.07.2019)
2. Krafchik, B., ‘’ History of diapers and diapering’’, International Journal of Dermatology, 2016
3. https://www.lilbabycakes.com/history-of-baby-diapers.html (Son Erişim Tarihi: 17.06.2019)
4. Spurrier, J., ‘’ The Battle for the Best Disposable Diapers’’, BabyGearLab, 2018
5. Mclntyre, K., ‘’The year that was 2016 of Nonwovens Industry’’, Cosmetics & Persnoal Cares, Industry News, 2016
6. Sustainability Report: Baby diapers and incontinence products, EDANA, 2005
